Magee strikes winner as Banbridge retain crown

BANBRIDGE Academy became just the third school to retain the All-Ireland Schoolboys crown in its 30-year history as Owen Magee grabbed a winner 14 minutes from time to deny Ulster rivals Cookstown in Garryduff yesterday.

Magee dived full-length to make it 2-1 and the Co Down side held on to win the Tasmanian trophy for a fourth time.

They were thankful though, to goalkeeper Michael Anderson, who managed to keep out all seven of Cookstown’s penalty corners, denying senior international Ian Sloan at every turn.

Bann opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Bell’s low, sliding shot. Tony Johnston got a brilliant touch to Matthew Rollins’ slap pass to level soon after.

Earlier, both northern teams progressed to the final ahead of Leinster opposition, St Andrew’s falling 3-0 to Banbridge and Wesley undone on sudden death penalties, 7-6.