Sennockian 2018-2019 | Page 90

H ocke y Our aim is to provide all our students with the opportunity to play hockey, to train and develop their individual skills and understanding, and to compete with their peers and represent the school. Below: U18 county champions Bottom: U16 national champions 1st XI Girls The team had a fantastic season, winning 11 out of 16 of our games, with a goal difference of 19. We won our first eight games, conceding only three goals. In We are fortunate to have a wealth of experienced and the subsequent matches, we met tougher opposition, enthusiastic coaches who fully support all our players in particular St Lawrence College. This only served to increase the intensity and skill with which we played, in their respective pathways. We are delighted to see and it was amazing to see the subsequent progress so many at representative levels outside of school. Cath Nicholson of individual players, as well as our teamwork. It is testament to the talent and effort of the team members that several girls also had remarkable seasons as individuals; playing at club, county, regional and national levels. The team adapted their skills to indoor hockey, to which many of us were novices; coming away with a silver medal from the Indoor County Championships was therefore a huge achievement. Although our results towards the end of the season did not reflect the team’s incredible work ethic, the team dynamic thrived as a result of our shared determination and enthusiasm. Grace Annetts, Captain, Upper Sixth U16 Girls Tier 3 National Champions Our path to the national title began at the county tournament: we reached the final, and in a very close match managed to score two goals in the last five minutes to become county champions. Only a few weeks later we went to regionals. We again reached the final, but we were down by 1-0 at half time. With composure and determination we were able to salvage a draw and go to penalties, and after some incredible saves, penalty flicks and intense nerves we triumphed and found ourselves headed to the regional finals. With dedication and training we were able to win our group there and were through to the national finals. After three tough matches we made it to the final, and when it mattered we managed to work together as a team and score some incredible goals, whilst only allowing two against us. After almost six months since counties we had become national champions! Rosie Talbot, Captain, Year 11 84 SPORT REVIEW