THE Down District Primary Schools League, sponsored by Kerr Group Insurance, Ballynahinch, came to a thrilling conclusion last week. Sixteen of Sixteen primary schools participated in the hugely popular events. The district’s top teams played each other for the title of league champions. In a closely fought series of games Cedar Integrated PS, Crossgar, came out on top after being pushed all the way by Ballynahinch PS, Millennium IPS, Academy PS, St. Macartan’s PS, Loughinisland, and St. Patrick’s PS, Saul.
Cedar were worthy winners and were helped by goal scoring machine Christy Lindsay and midfield maestro Ben Brown.
Winning coach Jordan Millar was delighted with his school’s performance, considering that this is only his second year at the school. He said: “The boys are delighted with their achievement and have carried their hard work in PE and from the after schools club on to the pitch.”
This year’s Primary Schools’ Cup was an open draw which certainly threw up some surprises.
Cedar IPS fell at the first hurdle to Mark McGrath’s hard working St. Patrick’s, Saul. Niall Laverty was inspirational in midfield for Saul and popped up with the winner in a golden goal scenario after a hard fought draw in normal time.
With the league champions now out of the cup everyone else really fancied their chances. Ballynahinch PS, with Harry Wilson shining, and Millennium IPS, with Jake Clydesdale starring, were unlucky not to reach the final after some fine performances.
The final was contested by new favourites Academy PS Saintfield and St. Macartan’s, Loughinisland. St. Macartan’s flair players Oran Bolton, David Forsythe and Conor Doran were outstanding performers with their link up and interchanging play.
Stephen Moore’s more experienced Academy team were pushed all the way but lifted the cup in a tight finish with captain Andrew McCoubrey and Sam Harpur excelling.
Special thanks to Jim Majury, from Kerr Group Insurance who presented the prizes, and DJ Morgan from Down Council, who had the venue looking like Wembley.