BGS proved once again why they are one of the top performing schools in hockey by being crowned the Investec Girls U14 Tier 2 National Champions on Monday.

Having won their regional round in November, the U14s set off to Reading Hockey Club eager to implement the hours of training into match play. The dry weather made such a difference to the atmosphere with a large (and vocal) cohort of parents making the journey and staying overnight to support the team throughout the day. 

There were two pools on the day and to progress to the final you had to win your group, no quarter finals or semi-finals like in many competitions.  Therefore, consistency throughout the day was key.

The first game was against Wellingborough School, the girls started strongly, winning 3-0. This first win settled the nerves and gave the girls extra confidence, spurring them on to win 2-0 against Bradford Grammar School.

With two games and two wins under their belts, BGS next faced St George’s Weybridge and Godolphin School. The girl’s competitive spirit shone, they drew 0-0 and won 5-1, respectively. BGS finished equal first in the group with St George’s Weybridge. However, superior goal difference placed BGS top of the group and resulting in a final against a strong King Edwards School Bath.

The first half was really competitive but a well-executed short corner saw BGS come in 1-0 up. The lead heading into the second half allowed the girls to relax and they started to dominate possession, and added a further two goals to the score line without response. Outstanding performances from all girls’ results in a fantastic 3-0 win and the National Title.

Mrs Howlett (Deputy Head of PE), said: “This is the first national title that BGS has won in this format of hockey competitions. The girls were an absolute credit to themselves, their parents and the school. Their focus and work ethic throughout the day and in the weeks of training was flawless. They are an aspirational group of girls, who relish a challenge yet are real enough to see the obstacles that they meet on route as necessary hurdles to overcome.”