England Hockey semi-final ahead for the Under 18 Hockey team
After a busy week of Hockey, the Under 18 Girls’ Hockey team travelled away to Solihull to play in the England Hockey Tier 3 quarter-finals. They have played six games in the competition to get to this round.
The team began the game with composure and intensity and went into half time 1-0 up, thanks to a goal from Alice Atkinson. Lucy Newton provided RGS with a 2-0 lead in the second half, but Solihull fought back with a quick succession of well struck reverse stick goals, to take the game to 2-2. Sticking to the performance aims, the RGS girls showed their resilience to win a penalty corner with minutes to play. Alice stepped up to score a well-placed goal from the top. The girls then held the opposition and achieved a 3-2 win. They have now reached the semi-finals as one of the top four school teams in the country, playing for a place in the England Hockey National Final. Very well done to the whole Senior squad at the end of a very successful Hockey season.
Quarter-finals for the Under 16 Girls’ Hockey team
The Under 16 Girls’ Hockey team have had a successful run in the England Hockey plate, after playing six games to get to the quarter-final stage of the National competition. Making the long journey south to Blundell’s School, in Tiverton, Devon, RGS started well, winning an early penalty corner that was denied on the line. Captain Teyah Farmer attacked with pace and purpose for Sydney Blanchenot to find the net, taking RGS into half time 1-0. Blundell’s stepped up in the second half and with end-to-end play, RGS conceded two goals, but then a goal from Lani Zukiplee brought it back to 2-2. With little time left, the Blundell’s team scored again and RGS attacked with numbers and intensity, in an attempt to bring the score level again. It was a nail-biting finish, with RGS winning an attacking penalty corner in the last seconds of the match, to be taken after the final whistle. With two shots denied by the goalkeeper and the ball eventually leaving the ‘D’, the final score was a 2-3 loss.
Although disappointed in not securing a win, the girls should be very proud of their performance. The team has shown real resilience, great progress and achieved significant successes this season. The opposition coaches were very complimentary about the standard of Hockey played as well as the RGS girls’ attitude and behaviour on and off the pitch. Showing our sporting values so well; Resolute, Gracious, Selfless and Willing and to be proud of ‘Being Green’, this Under 16 team are a real credit to RGS.
Miss Leanne Bennett
Head of Hockey Liaison & Head of Hockey
