South of England Finals, Crawley – Friday 1st February

The U15 girls’ hockey team had an early start on Friday morning to make their way to the South of England Indoor Hockey Finals tournament in Crawley, a first experience of competitive indoor hockey for everyone.

Having arrived and explored the multiple facilities of the complex, the girls started their day playing a local derby against rivals Ryde School.

Taking their time to adapt to the pace and pitch size, they were unable to overcome a 2-goal deficit and Ryde took home the bragging rights.

A further 8 games followed against opposition with varied skill levels from a range of Independent schools including Wellington College, Tormead School and Hurstpierpoint College, along with a team from the Hockey Mentors charity who sponsor state school junior performance players.

Highlights of the day included some wonderful team play from Nicole S and Kelsie R, fantastic individual skill from Evie F, Polly R and Jess G, stalwart defence throughout from Phoebe H and Mio W with a ball directly to the head for Mia L, and both our keepers Bluebell M and Emma B making brilliant saves to deny the opposition – Bluebell sliding out and up-ending a KES forward to save a goal will stay in the memories for some time to come.

With their heads held high and having enjoyed the day to the fullest, the girls headed home with valuable experience in their pockets and the enthusiasm to begin practising for next year’s tournament.

Thanks to Mr Milton and Miss Fraser for accompanying and umpiring for the day and to Flo W for coming along as chief cheerleader with an injured ankle. We can’t wait to do it all  next year!

Team:

Emma B (GK)

Bluebell M (GK)

Evie F

Jess G

Kelsie R

Flo W

Phoebe H

Mio W

Mia L

Nicole S

Polly R