Banbridge Academy: Captain Nadia Benallal ready for tough Kate Russell tournament in Dublin

The Ulster champions will be up against their counterparts from the other provinces today and tomorrow as they go in pursuit of a second Kate Russell Cup in three years.

“We had a few days off after the Ulster final and then had a good friendly with Royal School Armagh which was very beneficial and ended in a 1-1 draw,” explained Academy captain Nadia Benallal. “Since then we have just been working hard at our own game and managing a few niggling injuries as we get ready for four hard games in two days.”

Nadia would dearly love to sign off her school hockey career with a second all-Ireland title, having been part of the triumphant Kate Russell Cup team two years ago.

One of six survivors from the class of 2017, she is expecting a tough challenge, particularly from host team St Andrew’s, who include Ireland senior international Amy Elliott.

She added: “St Andrew’s being at home and with Amy will certainly be a threat but so will holders Kilkenny College as they gave us a really hard game when we were successful in 2017.

“Crescent from Limerick and Coláiste Iognaid, from Connacht are also provincial champions, so we expect four hard games.

“There are no easy games at this stage as everyone will be out to pick up points.

“Our coaching team will watch the other games as footage is limited but we have several different set-ups which we can adapt depending on who we play.

“Our timetable is very challenging with minimal breaks in between the games but we have a good squad with strength-in-depth which we can draw upon.

“The girls have had a lot of school and club hockey over the last two weeks but our coach, Neil Madeley, will manage our time on the pitch.”