The Chronicle January 2020

38 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Hockey By Jamie Davies, Master i/c Hockey

stewardship of Mr Taylor and Mr Griffiths. They started strongly, winning four out of the five first games, the best being a 2-1 win against Cheltenham. After a tricky middle part of term, they came back in style, winning four and drawing one, including 7-0 against St Mary’s Ascot, but undoubtedly the highlight was winning the 2nd XI county tournament, the first time we have entered it. The 3rd XI’s season was both entertaining and successful, with five wins, four draws and only losing two matches. Their most memorable wins were a 5-0 victory against Pangbourne and a 6-1 win against St Mary’s Ascot. However, they would all agree that their most rewarding match was the 1-1 draw with Wellington. Overall the 22 goals scored by the team came from nine different players with goals coming from all areas of the pitch. Lucy Farrer-Brown finished the season with seven goals as top scorer. The 4th XI is a great example of the depth of St Edward’s Hockey, with 30 girls involved in the squad, many having not played before. They

Beating Kimbolton 4-1 was a step in the right direction, moving the ball faster and being more clinical in the circle. Although they did not come out with a win against Millfield or Marlborough, it felt as though huge advances had been made in terms of performance and belief. The end of term brought fixtures thick and fast with a thrilling draw against Bradfield, 1-1 draws against Bloxham and MCS, and a tight win over St Mary’s Ascot. The final game brought drama and goals as we edged out Sir William Borlase 5-4 in the regional quarter-final, Millie Holme scoring a hat trick and Maddie Catchpole making two amazing saves. Phoebe Cain, Maddie Catchpole and Caris Baker were a great leadership group who were rightly awarded their colours and special mentions must go to Millie Holme and Sasha Withers Green for consistently high performances. With a very young team, and the first game of next season at the Olympic Park, the future is a bright one. The 2nd XI had a very enjoyable season, thanks to the calm and professional

2019 was a brilliant season for the girls’ Hockey Club – results improved but, more importantly, there was a real sense of warmth and enjoyment throughout the Club. There were many highlights, with the U15A and the 2nd XI winning their respective county tournaments and the 1st XI and 16A making it through to the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the National Tier Regional Knockout which will be played this term. The 1st XI made great strides during the season with a very balanced set of results but some brilliant games, especially in the second half of term. A tough start away at Dean Close was followed by a good cup win at King Edward’s Birmingham and a disappointing loss to MCS on penalty strokes.

Hamish Roots OSE

Sophie Tompkins in action for the 1st XI v Bradfield