King’s Crowned Back-to-Back Winners in Severn Shield

King’s Worcester’s 1^st XI hockey team has triumphed for a second consecutive year in the annual local derby against RGS, the Severn Shield, in a thrilling match which saw the winning goal scored with the last hit of the game.

The exciting evening, held at the International Hockey Centre, saw outstanding performances from both sides in what proved to be a hard-fought contest. King’s eventually took the title with a final score of 2-1.

We started the game with great intensity winning a flurry of short corners and forcing some fine saves from the RGS keeper, including a stop from a Hermione shot that seemed destined for the top corner. We continued to pile on the pressure and our press forced multiple turnovers, but we were unable to convert any of the chances we created.

At the start of the second half, we converted one of our short corners with a fine strike from Hermione nestling in the bottom corner. RGS pushing hard for an equaliser created their first chances of the game and some fine defending and superb save from Henri kept them at bay. RGS were awarded a penalty stroke which was calmly slotted away by their captain.

The King’s girls maintained their belief and got back in control of the game, and with the clock ticking down they were able to force a short corner. The full-time whistle was blown but the corner must be taken and a well-executed routine led to Bryony scoring the winning goal with the last touch of the game to send the team and crowd into absolute delirium – the perfect ending to a fantastic evening.

Pupils from King’s Worcester’s Prep Schools, King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford, joined a large crowd of Senior School pupils, staff and families to cheer on the girls as they fought to retain the title.

The evening had been kick-started with a fantastic match between the 2^nd teams, showcasing the depth of hockey talent in both schools. An end-to-end game played in a brilliant and competitive spirit ended 0-0 with neither team able to break the deadlock.

Director of Sport at King’s, Lora Miller-Symonds, said: “It was a superb night of hockey played in front of an electric crowd. The game truly showcased the sport at its best – fast-paced, exciting, and full of skill from both teams. I was incredibly proud of our team’s performance; every player stepped up and contributed to a dynamic and inspiring display.”

The King’s hockey programme continues to thrive, with teams from all three Foundation schools enjoying an outstanding start to the season. Last year saw a raft of impressive achievements for King’s, including the U14s securing the National Plate title, a silver medal in the ISHC, a top six finish at the National Finals for the U13s, and a silver medal in the Regional Indoor U16 finals.

Several King’s Worcester pupils have also gone on to represent their country – a reflection of the programme’s strength and the quality of its specialist coaching, which includes regular access to expert strength and conditioning support in the school’s state-of-the-art fitness suite.