IAPS – U11 National Hockey Finals

Following their hugely successful Regional Finals back in October, the girls travelled down to Haileybury School in Hertfordshire to compete in the National Finals. The team had a wonderful overnight experience, staying in Ware the night before and going out for a team-building pizza before settling down for an early night. Up bright, breezy and incredibly bubbly, the girls tucked into a hearty breakfast before their journey to the amazing Haileybury campus. Fully warmed up and feeling confident, the girls went into their first game against Bedford determined to get off to a good start. Some excellent switch play and attack down the wings secured a great 1-0 win. Spirits high and feeling settled, the next game saw the girls continue the winning streak with a well deserved 3-1 win against West Hill Park. The third pool game against Daneshill proved much tighter but their resilience was great and the girls held out for a tight 0-0 draw. With little time in between matches but fuelled with plenty of chocolates for energy, the fourth match against Hoe Bridge also proved to test the girls to dig deep and really support each other when not in possession of the ball. The result was another hard-fought but deserved 0-0 draw. The conclusion of this game signalled lunch for the girls in a dining hall which looked like something straight out of the Harry Potter film set! Fully energised the girls then played their final pool match against Framlingham. A very tight match ensued with opportunities at both ends but it was Framlingham who took their chances to come out with a 2-0 victory. Here followed what seemed like the longest wait ever to see our finish position in the pool. Other matches within the pool still needed to be played and we knew the results of these may impact the outcome as to which competition we progressed in. Hanging on every score that was entered by the officials, we were delighted to finish second in our group putting us through to the quarterfinals of the Cup against St George’s College, Weybridge. A school with a strong hockey heritage and convincing group winners, the team went into the game determined to put on their best performance. The game was a fantastic display of hockey skills far beyond their years and it was evident the girls had raised their game a notch or two. Fairfield had the lions share of play and had a fantastic opportunity to score early on but for a great save by the opposition’s keeper. Unfortunately with just two minutes to go we conceded a penalty corner from which they scored. Digging the ball out of the net the girls’ heads did not drop and they played with determination until the final whistle. The 1-0 loss did not give a true reflection of the game but I was delighted that they had given absolutely everything to try and get a goal back. Our final placing of joint 5th in the country (188 schools entered the competition) is a testament to the hard work that all the girls have put in; I am very privileged to have had the opportunity of coaching them and I look forward with great excitement to the In2 Hockey County and Regional Finals next term. I would like to thank Ms Nicol, Ms Gillard and Miss Sutcliffe for their amazing support in ensuring that the girls had such a wonderful experience, Holly who gave such team support from the sideline and the enthusiastic and supportive parents who gave encouragement to the squad throughout the girls’ journey to the Finals. It was also lovely that Mrs Hackett, LSF Director of Sport came to support the girls too.