HOCKEY: Over and Dowd for Bann

International forward Stephen Dowds has left Banbridge. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye

Banbridge Hockey Club have completed a player swap of sorts with the city of London.

Star forward Stephen Dowds has ended his nine year spell in the first team as he moves across the Irish Sea for a work opportunity.

However, softening that blow for Mark Tumilty and his side is the return of Dane Ward, who moved back home last week and has already joined up with the squad for Saturday’ 7-1 friendly win in Kilkeel.

Next up, Bann take on Instonians at Havelock tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm as they prepare for life without Dowds.

Dane Ward is back at the club after a year in England. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye

“Stevie is heading over to England with work and I understand why he’s done it,” said Head Coach Tumilty.

“He has been involved for nine years now and he has scored a lot of goals for us. His corners have been important to us and he has always been great to have in the changing room as well. It’s a blow to lose him but we have to move on now.”

There is absolutely no doubt that Dowds has long been one of the club’s leading lights and was an integral part of their quadruple winning side in the 14/15 season.