Mrs Howlett (Deputy Head of PE)

There was great excitement in the ranks as the U11 hockey squad travelled to St Edward’s School in Oxford to compete in the IAPS U11 Hockey Qualifier (Wednesday 25th September).

Outstanding teamwork, determination and hockey skills shone in the group stage, with victories against Edge Grove School (1-0), Queen’s College (3-0) and King's St Alban's (3-0). The girls drew against St Hugh’s School, Oxford (1-1) and only one loss against a strong Wimbledon High School (0-3). The girls finished second in the group and progressed to the quarter-finals.

At this point, the skies opened and we then had to play in heavy rain. Our quarter-final was against Lambrook School, it was a close match and neither team could score in either normal or extra time, which resulted in penalty strokes. Our three girls selected to take the penalty strokes were really calm and composed and won the shoot-out 2–0 to progress to the semi-final.

The semi-final against St Georges School was highly competitive with plenty of opportunities for both teams. We conceded sadly in the last play of the game, losing 1-0, which resulted in a 3rd and 4th play-off against Dragon School, Oxford. The pace of the match was of a high standard and with the rain still driving down hard the conditions were tricky. Neither team could score in normal time or extra time, reaching another nail biting penalty strokes. The penalty takers were super focused and won 3-1.

A medal and a place at the National Finals was the reward. The finals will be held at Haileybury School on Thursday 21st November. Now for some hours of hard work on the training field. The progress the girls showed across the day was quite remarkable and they were a real credit to themselves and the school.