ROUND UP OF ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM DROMORE HIGH SCHOOL
It's been a busy month for the sports department at Dromore High School
NETBALL
THE Netball Club in Dromore High School started in September with training on Mondays and Tuesdays afternoons for all pupils who have an interest in playing sport for their school, house or just for fun.
The club lasts from 3.20-4.30pm and continues to be supported by very good numbers. At Senior Club on Monday 25 pupils regularly practice with the same numbers turning out for the Junior Club on Tuesdays.
The training in September has been very encouraging as the girls prepare for competitive games in October. Four teams, ranging from Year 12 to Year 9, have been entered into the Banbridge District Schools Netball league and cup tournaments with the Year 8 team contesting a tournament in March.
Other schools involved include Banbridge Academy, Banbridge HS, New-Bridge IC, Rathfriland HS and St.Patrick's College. Club coach, Mrs Jackie Irvine, has been encouraged by the healthy start to yet another season.
HOCKEY
THE hockey season got off to a good start in September with the senior teams (U16 and U15) turning out in high spirits after a very successful season last year.
Members old and new have attended training and already produced some very encouraging work after having had such a relaxing summer!
The U13 and U14 teams started their training with a massive turnout of 39 players. In the initial training sessions fitness levels were tested with a 'bleep test' for all the senior players. This not only raised the girls' apprehension but also their pulses – pleasing results all round!!
The teams have the use of the excellent facilities at Ferris Park with Seniors training on Tuesdays and the Juniors on Thursdays. Year 8s join the Juniors on a Tuesday, with new members welcome on all days.
At the beginning of October the U16s began their season with a great victory in a friendly fixture away to Newry High School. An ideal preparation before the league, the girls produced a superb performance to win 4-0 – Shannon Brush and Emma Wilson both scored two goals.
The U14s, who are the current U14 High School Cup winners, play their first match against Ballyclare Secondary in mid-October.
RUGBY
Usually the first of the school's sporting teams to have a regular fixture list in September, the rugby club have had a busy month with traditional fixtures against Friends' School (Lisburn), Grosvenor Grammar and Regent House.
Although the U13s have started with three defeats, they have nevertheless shown potential that should augur well for the season. The 'A's were beaten 15-10 against Friends' with tries from Ryan Cobb and David Cantley, but the 'B's redressed the balance with a great win by 20-5 thanks to Lee Geddis scoring twice.
After having led twice through tries by Stefan Campbell and Thomas Martin, Dromore's defence had a poor second half in the 12-31 defeat away to Grosvenor.
Against Regent, although the forwards 'held their own', the backline which was missing four regulars suffered as the Regent half-backs controlled the game. James Sloan scored two tries in the 27-10 loss.
The U14s started the season very well with a comfortable win over Friends'. Tries were scored by Lee Steenson (2), Luke Morrison, Thomas Jess and Andrew Black with Lee kicking five conversions in the 35-5 win.
Having been easily beaten last season away to Regent, the 17-15 defeat can be regarded as a morale-boosting performance with tries from Lee Steenson (2) and Harry Warren.
The Medallion side have already had mixed fortunes in their fixtures to date. They travelled to Belfast to record a comfortable win over Grosvenor (24-5) with tries coming from George Wilson (2), Aaron Stewart and Michael Allen. Unfortunately the boys suffered away against a very good Regent side (37-0)
The U16s have ahead of them undoubtedly one of their toughest seasons in recent years as they attempt to defend both the Pollock Cup and High Schools' Trophy - competition for both trophies will be tough with a number of schools mounting strong challenges.
Many observers regard Banbridge HS as favourites, but they will be closely challenged by Lisneal College, High School Ballynahinch, Downshire School, Ballyclare Secondary and Dromore.
An away trip to Ballymena saw the boys open up with a victory by 26-5 against Cambridge House – points were scored by Chris Leathem (2 tries 3 conversions), David Currie (try) and Corey Linton (try).
FOOTBALL
DROMORE HS are again entered in the South Down Football League at the U13 and U15 age groups. The U16s will contest a knock-out cup, with the U12 and U14 teams likely to be involved in tournaments in the second half of the season.
When the draw for these competitions was made, there was definitely a feeling of deja-vu with New-Bridge IC in opposition for all three age-groups.
The U13s have been drawn against New-Bridge (h), Rathfriland HS (a) and Shimna College (h) in their group, with the top two qualifying for the semi-finals. In the first match against New-Bridge, Dromore started well and opened the scoring with a goal by Ryan Cobb.
New-Bridge came back into the game when they equalised after Dromore failed to execute the offside trap following a corner. The Loughbrickland team sealed the points with two more goals, one of which was another defensive mix-up completing 3-1 win.
Along with New-Bridge, the U15s also have Banbridge Academy (a) and Shimna (h) in their group. In their opener against New-Bridge (a double-header with the U13s), the U15s produced a controlled, skilful performance to record a fine victory.
Ryan McDermott opened the scoring with a superb free-kick from just outside the box, before Christopher Lockhart doubled the lead with a deft chip over the advancing New-Bridge 'keeper.
A drop in concentration just before the break reduced the lead as New-Bridge 'nicked' a goal back. Dromore stepped up the pace in the second half, with Jordan Watson, Ryan McDermott and Mark Neill bossing the midfield.
Chris Lockhart continued to make life difficult for New-Bridge, scoring a second as Dromore took control, before Jordan completed the 4-1 scoreline.
Ben Murdock and Michael Allen also played well, with a solid game at the back.
The U16s have been drawn at home to New-Bridge IC in the U16 Cup.
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Weather for Dromore
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
