BANGOR Hockey Club’s U18 boys were crowned Ulster Indoor Hockey champions on Sunday after a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Cookstown in a thrilling final at Queen’s University.
Cookstown’s sharp start to the final saw them move 2–0 ahead, but Bangor’s response was immediate, lifted by a superb penalty-flick save from goalkeeper Ernie Kells that set the tone for their comeback.
Captain Seb Holley pulled one back from a well-worked penalty corner before half-time, and Bangor were unlucky not to equalise when a penalty flick struck the post.
The second half saw Bangor grow in confidence, moving the ball with greater tempo and composure against a strong Cookstown side. Sustained pressure eventually yielded the equaliser, again through Holley, whose clinical penalty-corner finish levelled the final at 2–2 with five minutes to play.
As tension rose inside Queen’s PEC, Bangor continued to press for a winner. With just 30 seconds remaining, Holley surged down the right and delivered a pinpoint pass for Myles McNaught, the tournament’s top scorer, to fire home the decisive goal and spark wild celebrations from players, coaches and supporters.
Bangor’s journey to the final was filled with quality and excitement. They opened the group stage with confident wins over Mossley and North Down, playing free-flowing attacking hockey.
A narrow loss to Cookstown simply set up a high-stakes final group match against Lisnagarvey, where Josh McMillan struck a dramatic goal with just 10 seconds remaining to secure Bangor’s place in the final and ignite early celebrations among supporters.
Every member of Bangor’s tight-knit squad contributed hugely to the team’s success. Coaches Darren Stewart and Chris Kent praised the squad’s quality, relentless energy and togetherness, which was matched by the fantastic backing of a loyal and noisy group of travelling supporters.
Credit was also given to Cookstown for their quality and contribution to an outstanding final that showcased the best of youth indoor hockey in Ulster.
Bangor will now look to build on their championship performance as they return to outdoor competition in the months ahead.
