Action from the McDowell Plate match between Sullivan Upper School 2XI and Ballymena Academy 2XI on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Photo: Bob Given. © FRU SPORTS 2026.

McDowell Shield: Sullivan Upper 2XI 2 Ballymena Academy 2XI 0

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by

Bob Given

On a cold, sunny Wednesday afternoon Ballymena Academy 2XI were the visitors to Holywood to play Sullivan Upper School 2XI in a McDowell Shield 1st Round Tie.

Sullivan edged possession and territory in the 1st quarter but couldn’t make it tell in front of goal. The 1stquarter was scoreless.

Isla Wiltshire, 8, put Sullivan ahead

Though Ballymena had early chances in the 2nd quarter, it was Sullivan who took the lead when Isla Wiltshire struck in the 22nd minute to give Sullivan a 1-0 halftime lead.

Sullivan started to take control in the 3rd quarter with their midfield starting to dominate. However, they couldn’t crack the Ballymena defence and the score remained 1-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

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