This season has only one more game remaining. The 1st XI after their maiden year in the Ulster Premier league have finished 2nd from bottom, meaning they enter into a play-off match with the winners of Senior One (either Antrim or Queens) this Wednesday at Shaw’s Bridge. It has been a baptism of fire for the 1st XI as the standard of hockey is a significant jump from Senior one, with all efforts now on winning our play off to avoid relegation back to Senior One.

The 2nd XI finished mid table in Junior 4. After once again starting off well, then falling off the pace after Christmas, with some poor results against Down, Newry and Mossley. This was disappointing as the  2nd XI beat the eventual winners of the league Ballymenna 3:0 at Campbell.

This season also saw the number regularly training drop off, the club will be making a concerted effort to encourage more members both new and old to come out and play / support the club in the 2017/18 season.

With Mark Burns committed to continuing his coaching role with the 1st XI, we hope to continue in the development of hockey talent from CCB, with 2 school boys, Michael Johnston and Thomas Gillen playing regularly for the 1st XI. The squad has learnt a lot from Mark this year and hope to be able to continue to practice their skills in the Premier league in 2017/18 season.

The club would like to note its thanks to Mark Burns (Club Coach), Joel Easlea (1st XI Capt) and Tristan Barry (2nd XI Capt) for their efforts in 2017, and also thanks to Michael Lamont, Wayne Harper for their behind the scenes work.

Glenn Henry (7951)