Chronicle Summer 2023

58 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

and downs, however, starting the season with a 16-0 win set the tone for a very enjoyable season. The team spirit in all the matches was evident, allowing huge progression throughout with another win vs Rugby and a draw against Haileybury. The U16As had a mixed season as a couple of their usual players were transferred to the 1st XI. The highlights of the year were their positive performances at the county and regional tournaments. Throughout both days, there were lots of close games and the team continued to progress hugely. We welcomed Oxford Hawks, a link we are looking to continue to grow, for an early midweek fixture, and the girls won 1-0 in a closely-fought contest. The U16Bs may not have had the most successful year results-wise, however I hope the girls are looking forward to the challenge of progressing into the senior teams next year. They started the season with a tight draw against Cheltenham and finished with a 2-1 win against the same opposition which shows a huge amount of fight and development across the year. Another highlight of the season was a draw against Stowe. The U16Cs came away with an unbeaten season! They may have only played two games, however, a 2-0 win vs Downe House 2nd XI and a draw against Bradfield were both real achievements. The U15As had an outstanding season, with 10 wins, two draws and three losses. They played some tough matches against Bradfield and Haileybury but comprehensive victories against, Cheltenham Ladies’, Malvern and Stowe were triumphs. The biggest highlight was a 4-2 win against a strong Uppingham side. The girls progressed through round 1 and 2 of the ISHC Cup against Princethorpe and RGS Worcester but were undone by St Benedict’s, losing 4-3 despite an Imi Routledge hat trick. The U15B team have had a very strong season wining five, losing five and drawing two matches. They started off the season with one of their hardest matches against Haileybury, losing 3-0, however they bounced back, trained hard and won the next three matches. The U15Cs tried continuously and progressed throughout the season. They never gave up, no matter how hard the opposition was, which was most evident in their victory against Cheltenham Ladies’. The U14As have had a successful and enjoyable season, including many great

Charles Turner

involved playing eight fixtures or more. The 1st XI won six fixtures in blocks (one better than last year), including an historic win vs Wellington College. This was our most successful season since 2014/15. Preseason set the tone with the boys winning a tournament at Rugby School, beating Bloxham and Kimbolton on shuffles in the knockout stages to take the title. Other notable highlights were the wins against Cheltenham and Kimbolton. Congratulations to Charles Turner, Hamish McKendrick, Ben Pearce, Alex Niblett and Ben Robertson who were awarded their colours. The 2nd XI also had a really positive season, competing against some strong teams and playing some great hockey. The side was led by a core of Upper Sixth who fully committed and bought into the nature of being a 2nd XI. Notable highlights were the positive results against Wellington and Stowe. The 3rd XI had some ups and downs, but wins against Kimbolton and a cracking draw against Radley were the highlights of the term. Mr Austen was hugely proud of the 2-1 win vs Stowe. Thank you to the girls who stepped in and made a huge impact throughout the year. The U15/6B groups were utterly fantastic, spending the whole season with smiles on their faces – though the results may not have gone their way but they kept

matches, participating in the County Tournament and Regional Tournaments. The main highlights of the year were beating Rugby, Malvern and Stowe. Within the regular blocks, the team won eight games, showing that the future of Teddies hockey looks bright. The U14Bs had the most amazing season; not only playing hockey but also forming friendships. It may have been a tough one results-wise, but they started off with a win against Pangbourne College (3-1) and also came out on top against Malvern and Bloxham. Everyone in the team represented Teddies with great pride and tenacity. It was a tough start to the year for the U14Cs as most of the pupils had never played hockey before. Spirits were high and a lot of positivity from the coaches created a fun environment for all the players. A win away at Marlborough (2-0) and the first goal against Bloxham were the highlights of the year. Thank you to all the team captains for their contributions during the season and to this report. Spring Term Spring Term 2023 was the start of a new era of boys’ hockey at Teddies. The Club may have become smaller, but the successes across all the teams prove there is a huge amount of talent within the School. The Club’s six teams have played over 64 competitive fixtures, with every pupil