13 / 20
1 3
S P O R T S
Silver Medals for U18s in
National Hockey Finals
Many congratulations to our U18 hockey team who
secured silver medals in the Investec U18 T4 Girls Schools
Championship Finals on Tuesday 3 March.
They travelled to Reading Hockey Club as both the Essex and
East Regional Champions, to face the champions and runners
up from the other four English regions: North, Midlands,West
and South. Initially, they had four pool games of 12 minutes
each way with a 3 minute half time. A pattern emerged
in their first three games against Maynard School, Hymers
College and King Edward’s, Lichfield which all saw Bancroft’s
with 2-0 wins. Bancroft’s scorers were England U16 player
Grace O’Malley Kumar and Eleanor Channer.
At this point Bancroft’s led their pool with a total of 9 points,
but they knew they could not afford complacency. In their last
pool match they faced St Mary’s Ascot, the South champions.
Bancroft’s were in the position of having already played three
games, with relatively short breaks. St Mary’s had only played
two and had had an hour to recover from their previous fixture.
It was clear from the offset that St Mary’s were the fresher team;
the Bancroft’s girls were visibly tired. A first half goal from St
Mary’s was answered almost immediately with an equaliser from
Grace O’Malley Kumar. In the second half, however, St Mary’s
managed two more goals giving Bancroft’s their first defeat of
the day.
Having played all their games, the girls knew that they were in
a good position to reach the final but technically other teams
could have at least equalised. It was a relief when the England
Hockey website showed Bancroft’s as finalists. Then the long
wait began. The final was not due to take place until 5.50pm,
giving time to refuel, regroup, relax a little and even grab a
quick power nap.
In the final, the girls facedWells Cathedral School, theWest
champions, who had won all their pool matches without
conceding a single goal and having scored 12. This wasn’t going
to be an easy match for Bancroft’s and, as expected, it proved
a hard fought final.The Bancroft’s girls kept up the pressure
throughout and were tenacious, particularly in defence. At
half time, honours were equal and remained so until almost
the close of play when, with two minutes left on the clock, the
Wells Cathedral forwards broke through to hit the net. Time
was against Bancroft’s and they finished in silver medal position.
Naturally, the girls were disappointed but they should be proud
of all they have achieved this year: it was a great performance,
displaying a strong sense of team spirit throughout. This is a
relatively young team: four of the players are in the Fifth Form
and so there is a strong nucleus on which to build for next
year. It was a proud day for the U18s’ Manager, Mrs Jo Fryer-
Green,“The team were outstanding on the day, I cannot fault
their effort or attitude. It was a very special moment that I was
proud to be part of.The bar has been set for next year and
already I’m thinking how we can best prepare ourselves for
more success.”
Head Simon Marshall said the team,“put in a superb
performance throughout; they played with wonderful team
spirit. I think it is also important to recognise the hard work and
dedication they have shown to reach this tournament as well as
the commitment and belief of their coaches, MrWebster and
Mrs Fryer-Green, and the support from Mr Eghoyan.” A final
thanks goes to the parents who have supported the girls, not
just onTuesday but throughout the season.