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Killicomaine's
10th year soccer team - winners of the NI Ricoh Cup
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Killicomaine
Junior High School won the N. I. Ricoh Intermediate Cup on
Wednesday 7th May defeating St Patrick's College, Belfast
2 goals to 1 in an exciting final played at Chimney Corner's
ground in Antrim.
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This is the first time the cup has been won by a school outside
Belfast.
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Two brilliantly struck free kicks in the opening 4 minutes
by Captain Adam Walker sent Killicomaine on their way to an
historic win.
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St
Patrick's, playing a neat passing game, were denied 3 times
by the crossbar and by a dramatic headed goal line clearance
by Killicomaine centre back, Scott Heasley. And the centre
back might have increased Killicomaine's lead after a run
taking him the length of the field ended with his goal-bound
shot being blocked.
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The second half saw St Patrick's press for the goal they needed,
but Killicomaine goalkeeper Stephen Hatfield was in impressive
form, making several outstanding saves and dominating his
penalty area.
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Killicomaine
defended their lead courageously and could well have sealed
the game through pacey front man Christopher Clements who
broke through only to be foiled.
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A
St Patrick's goal 3 minutes from the end brought a nail biting
finish. St Pats forced 3 consecutive corners as they sought
the equaliser, but the Killicomaine defence remained resolute.
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final whistle brought joyous scenes from the large contingent
of Killicomaine supporters. |
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team collected their champions' medals and were congratulated
by Jim
Braniff |
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Jim
Braniff (centre), repesenting the sponsors Ricoh, presents
Killicomaine's 10th year soccer team, with the Ricoh Intermediate
Cup.
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Killicomaine
captain Adam Walker, scorer of both goals, is hoisted aloft
by jubilant team mates after collecting the Ricoh Intermediate
Cup
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Back
at Killicomaine JHS the celebrations continued. The Ricoh Cup had
left Belfast for the first time, and now has pride of place in the
school's main hall.
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The 10th year team were congratulated by Pat McGibbon and Gary Hamilton,
professional footballers with Portadown FC, who are currently running
coaching sessions at the school.
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