News Release
Elks Face Old Foes In Shield Final
Ulster Elks will be hoping for sweet revenge when they end a 33-year hoodoo by playing in the final of the women’s hockey Ulster Shield.
The last time a University of Ulster team was in the final was 1975 – and the victorious opponents on that occasion were Pegasus.
Though names have changed and the faces are different, history repeats itself on December 27 when Ulster Elks and Pegasus square up in what promises to be an enthralling encounter for the Winemark Ulster Shield.
Three decades ago, the Elks’ predecessor was then called Ulster College of Physical Education (UCPE). A successful spell in the 1970s saw the students win the Shield in the 1970/71 season, having lost out in the title decider the season before.
Ulster Elks Coach, Ricky Lee said: “In the 1975 final the student side were certainly regarded as the underdogs and it seems that 33 years later nothing has changed in that respect. Pegasus have a great deal of talent in every area of the pitch and in recent years they have made winning a habit.
“However, on any given match day anything can happen, and we certainly have a talented enough squad to cause them problems.”
History links Ulster and Pegasus in that two former lecturers at the UCPE, Hilary O’Neill and Anna Richmond, along with Catherine McTavish of Stranmillis College, formed Pegasus in 1961. It was made up of former students of both institutions.
Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director of the Ulster Sports Academy, said: “All at the University congratulate the Ulster Elks on getting through the final for the first time in over 30 years and wish them all success against Pegasus. Reaching the final of such a prestigious competition shows the great steps that have been taken in striving to achieve Ulster’s vision to become the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland.”
The Elks have a cosmopolitan look with International Sports Scholars Frances Kreft from New Zealand and Philippine Berly from France, each of whom represents their country at senior level.
Irish internationals Emma Clarke and Shirley McCay join a host of players with the Jordanstown side who have experience in Irish Universities and Northern Ireland Universities competitions.
Pegasus also have their fair share of experience in the squad ,with Irish internationals Alex Speers, Michelle Harvey and Kate McConnell on the squad alongside nine others who have worn the green of Ireland in the past.
The game at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, Hillsborough starts at 2.30pm.
