Derg HS girls to lock horns with Dromore in NI U18 Schools’ Cup final

CASTLEDERG High School under-18 girls’ hockey team will contest the final of the Northern Ireland High Schools’ Cup when they lock horns with Dromore High School at Stormont tomorrow (Wednesday).

Last week the Derg girls, coached by Mrs Lilly, defeated Carrick Academy 1-0 in a gripping semi-final encounter at Campsie Playing Fields, Omagh.

The north Tyrone outfit started well spending most of the first quarter in possession of the ball but having difficulty in finding the back of the net.

It was in the second quarter however when the Derg girls raised their tempo with Natalie Watson scoring in the last minute of the first half following a period of persistent attacking by Katie Young and Anna Keatley.

The last two quarters of the match were tight with both teams attacking and having chances to score.

The midfield trio of Alana Hunter, Zara Johnston and Amy Vennard worked hard to move the ball around the pitch allowing the Derg forwards to attack while the defenders Chelsea Scott, Ebony Wauchope, Charley Love and the two Jennas, Young and Fyffe, kept their composure to keep the Carrick girls at bay.

The Derg girls fought hard and held their own to maintain their 1-0 advantage until the final whistle.

For many of the squad it will be the third time to experience this occasion having reached the final at both U14 and U16 level – the school community hopes it will be a case of third time lucky for the talented squad.

Pushback 2.30pm.