U11 at Rugby School Tournament

Squad: Forwards – Clare T, Georgina T, Emily H and Beth M. Mid – Georgia R. Backs – Amelia W, Poppy S and Lulu J. Goal Keeper – Imo C.

Group Matches:  

v Moreton Hall, won 4 – 0                                                                                                                                                              

v  Warwick Prep, drew 0 – 0

Plate Competition:

v Packwood Haugh, won 2 - 0                                                                                                      

v Kimbolton, lost 0 – 1                                                                                                                                          

v Beachborough, drew 0 – 0                                                                                                                          

Played 5, Won 2, Drew 2, Lost 1                                                                                                                     

Runners up in Plate Competition

Rugby School once again pulled out all the stops to host an impressive tournament, with 12 teams entering in total. Our girls got off to a strong start in the game against Moreton Hall, adapting their play to the astro surface quickly. Georgina T hassled the defence like a terrier, quickly scoring a hat-trick; and the 4^th was slotted soundly into the goal by Beth M. Our second game against Warwick Prep saw us losing our form slightly, intimidated by a strong and feisty forward who lifted her stick high and smashed the ball. That said we spent the majority of this game attacking, but were unable to find the final finish, resulting in a 0 – 0 draw.

We faced Packwood Haugh in the first round of the ‘Plate Competition’ and were back on form, dominating play from the offset. Good teamwork and intelligent distribution of the ball saw our forwards breaking through the defence on numerous occasions. Clare T proved adept at taking the ball on the defender’s non stick side and then finished her shots at goal with tremendous power, to sore two goals in the game and one just after the final whistle which was disallowed.

We were unlucky in the last two games, spending the majority of each attacking, with Georgia R working her socks off to send some cracking balls into the D. By this stage we were running out of energy though and once again lacked the stamina and strength to finish the shots off, or directed them straight at the goalie.  The constant rain had ensured our girls were damp to the core, taking its toll. So many times we came so close! In the game against Kimbolton a rare and lucky breakthrough by their forwards coupled with a lack of speedy reaction by our defence, left goalie Imo, (who had had an excellent tournament up until then), facing a one on one situation and belter of a shot . This goal ensured they took home the silver plate.

Nonetheless, a tremendous hockey experience for our girls, superbly hosted by Rugby School and offering them valuable astro playing experience. Thanks to Derek for his help and getting us there and back safely. Medals should go to Mrs Renshaw and Mrs Taylor, for braving the damp, soggy conditions to support the team all afternoon, thank you! Well played girls, you were a credit to your school!

DLB