SPORT // GIRLS ’ HOCKEY
2nd XI
Quite a challenging season in many respects , with some significant losses at the beginning of term where goals against almost reached double figures . However , at no point did the loyal core of the 2nd XI squad ever let their heads go down . With Anna Wraith at the helm as captain , there was always evidence of a quiet determination , which bore fruit in the shape of victories against Queen Margaret ’ s and Hymers during the second half of term . Our penultimate game against Ampleforth , albeit a loss , was a great display of determination , teamwork and commitment .
Player of the Season : Alex Brown
Most Improved Player : Charlie Evison
U15 XI
The season began on a high as we travelled to Hymers on a stunning September day . Having had no competitive hockey at all for at least 18 months , Mr Ball and Miss Hornby were intrigued to see how their team would fare up ! The Pock girls put their coaches ’ minds at rest straight away , with an assured and passionate performance against our friends from Hymers . The game was nail biting from start to finish , but the girls ended their first game on a full , 11-a-side pitch with a 2-2 draw to start the season .
With confidence flowing through the squad , Captain Ella Smith led her team into a strong performance the following Saturday , against Giggleswick at home . Yet more excellent play from the girls up front – Georgina Hamblin , Ruby Watson and Imogen Spear , as well as our super midfielders , Jess Groombridge , Charlie Lindley and Isabella Darvall , meant that we showed grit and determination right until the end of the game . We emerged as 3-2 winners .
A real highlight of the season , was our match against Queen Margaret ’ s . True to form , Amy Colley was outstanding in goal , instructing tactics to the team from the goal line . The trio of Amy , Erin Fox and Grace Hope in defence , were quite a force to be reckoned with and together , have stopped many of our skilled , physical and determined opposition in their tracks – and the game against Queen Margaret ’ s was no different . Despite the most valiant efforts , Queen Margaret ’ s converted a last-minute goal , to come away as winners with a 2-1 score line . Special mentions should also go to Lucy Coles , Penny Gibson and Polly Raper , who have all been outstanding in their commitment to the team and their consistently excellent performances on the pitch .
Player of the Season : Charlie Lindley
Most Improved Players : Grace Hope and Bella Darvall
U14A XI
A challenging season on several fronts , but great to see the hockey back in full swing this term . Coming off the back of the 2020 season where lockdowns and restrictions saw school sport more broadly and widely affected across the country , the virus itself reared its head within the school and amongst our opposition during the first half of this season . This made match days and team selection something of a tricky affair for both us and equally our opposition , with some fixtures sadly falling by the wayside , but the girls were resolute throughout and I am prompted to pay tribute to their spirit , work ethic and buoyant nature through this period .
You couldn ’ t ask for a group of players who are as hard working and keen to improve their skills as the U14 squad this season . Their response to the wider world problems we ’ ve faced has been very much positive , and adaptable … a ‘ can do ’ spirit , and even to the very last game they have fought hard as a squad , which is testament to the strength and depth within the year group . Special vote of thanks goes to Miss Martin for her efforts , cajoling and support throughout the season , and the girls themselves . They have shown determination , true resilience , and moments of brilliance , and should be immensely proud of their body of work and performances to date . Enjoy the break and Christmas period , I have no doubt that you will be a team to watch out for as you progress through the school .
Player of the Season : Jemima Councell
Most Improved Player : Poppy Levitt
THE POCKLINGTONIAN 39