U13 at Regional IAPS Tournament

Results
v The Elms, drew 1 – 1
v Bromsgrove, won 2 – 0
v Westbourne, won 2 – 0
v Foremarke Hall, lost 0 – 3
v Wellingborough, lost 0 - 1
3rd in group.

Player of the tournament – Poppy M.

S. Anselm’s were very unlucky not to have made the semi finals. It was unfortunate that the following strong sides were all in the same section : Bromsgrove, The Elms, Foremarke and Wellingborough.
Overall, the day provided us with an exhibition of super hockey from S. Anselm’s. It was going to be a tough day having such a difficult draw. However, this did not phase the U13 team. Once again, it was lovely to see the side looking comfortable on astro and ready for action. In the first match V The Elms, Colwall the team had to work hard in defence but as the game progressed, they managed to make a break in play and go ahead 1 – 0. However a lapse defensively and The Elms soon levelled the scoreline. The final score 1 – 1 and it was a great start to the tournament. A huge boost for the team particularly finding out that The Elm’s were last year’s winners! The next few matches went extremely well 2 – 0 wins over Bromsgrove and Westbourne and S. Anselm’s had certainly found their form. Super attacking moves from Georgina H, Georgia R-S, Millie C, Nancy J and Freya H with impressive breaks in play and pressure on the ball. Defensively, Poppy M and Emily G-P were working together and winning the ball with confidence and style. The final two matches were unfortunately lost but S. Anselm’s provided excitement and top class play particularly against the eventual winners of the competition Wellingborough. In the final match Wellingborough went 1 – 0 up and S. Anselm’s were very unlucky not to level the score line with having six shots on goal in the closing minutes of the game. It was a thriller and it was super to see the S. Anselm’s parents all edging that ball into the back of the opposition’s goal! However it was not meant to be and the final score was 1 – 0 to Wellingborough. The standard of hockey that the U13 side produced against good sides was phenomenal. They worked together as a team, supported each other throughout the whole day and highlighted top class skill and tactical play. A huge thank you must go to Mr Brock for his umpiring and key coaching points throughout the day. It was a super day of hockey for the U13 side. It showed that even though we did not get through to the finals we are still up there challenging as one of the top hockey prep schools in the country. Well done Girls I am a very proud coach!
Well done to the whole squad – Well played and well supported. Thank you to all the parents for their continued support. MPN