What a difference a week makes.
This time last week, Banbridge Academy schoolboy Peter Brown was in India helping Ireland qualify to the World Hockey League 3 in front of thousands of spectators.
But this week it is back to the school books as he catches up on his studying for his A Levels at the end of May.
However, at only 18, many pundits thought that Brown was just too young to be stepping up on to the international stage but how he proved them wrong, as he won eight caps and scored his debut international goal.
Brown will hardly have time to catch his breath, as together with his international team mate Bruce McCandless, they were both drafted into Banbridge’s squad for their important league game against Instonians last night.
Even though he was playing at the dizzy heights of international hockey, he was delighted to get back to club hockey and his team mates.
He said: “It was a fantastic experience and playing India in India was just unbelievable and definitely the highlight of my hockey career so far.
“But I am looking forward to getting back to Bann, as we have some important games coming up.
“I can’t wait to be back playing with all the lads again and hopefully I will be able to bring back some of the experience I learned when I was away in India.”
So, what is next for Brown?
“I have to firstly concentrate on my exams and then hopefully we will either be in Malaysia or Holland for the World Series 3 in June.
“Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup and that is what I will be working towards, to hopefully get Ireland there.”
Bann host Civil Service tomorrow at Havelock Park and they will be hoping that they can bag another three points to keep their noses in front.
Meanwhile, second place Garvey face a possible banana skin, with the visit of Annadale. Dale will be without Chris Morrow, Matt Allister Aaron Mills and William Edgar and Richard Maybin is also injured and misses the game.
Instonians have Paul Gleghorne back from his international duties with Ireland and Inst are expected to heap on more misery on bottom of the table Mossley, who are missing Mark Moreland and Matthew Anderson.
It is the quarter-finals of the Irish Trophy and Raphoe are hoping that they can take a step closer to another piece of silverware.
Lee Coll will be missing for Raphoe’s clash with Dublin University and on their recent excellent form, the County Donegal side look good for the semis.
Campbellians are at full strength for the visit of Bandon and with home advantage.
The Stormont side could just edge out their southern visitors.
In the all-Ulster clash, Portadown look to be too strong for Queens. The Ports will be without James Ferguson but they are confident they will be in the semi-final draw.
In the remaining tie, Rathgar Chiefs host visitors Kilkenn in what looks like a good game.
Midweek results
Premier League - Lisnagarvey 3 Mossley 0 and Instonians 1 Banbridge 2.
Comments