Spectacular Showdown for King’s Hockey First XI

As King’s First XI had knocked RGS out of round 2 of the England Hockey National Cup just one week before, the 2023 Severn Shield Hockey fixture between the two schools was even more likely to be an exhilarating local derby.  

Now an annual event, this was a great showcase of hockey. An impressive and exciting contest, featuring plenty of goal mouth action, provided an enthralling game for the record-breaking 400 strong crowd of friends, family, and staff, who offered outstanding support throughout the game. 

Despite warming up in wet, drizzly conditions, the weather took a turn for the better as the match began and improved dramatically for the push-back, allowing the players to showcase their talents fully. The game started well, with King’s scoring early on through forward, Lottie W, following superb dribbling down the right from midfielder, Ruby C. The team continued to play well during the first half, creating a number of decent opportunities; they exhibited excellent intensity, closing down space well and moving the ball with precision. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as RGS responded and managed to gain useful field position, gradually growing into the game. First-half goalkeeper, Jaime L controlled her D and stopped any opportunities from open play, but RGS equalised from a well-worked short-corner just before the half-time interval, making the scores level.  

After the break, the match continued to be a fiercely contested affair in the second half. RGS came out strong and took the lead from another short-corner, after an initial good first save from goalkeeper Amelia T. King’s didn’t back down, and mounted a spirited comeback through Bryony G, who made an impressive run from well inside her own half and converted across the RGS ’keeper, equalising at 2-2. Very shortly after, a similar run from Bryony resulted in a rebound opportunity, which Becca S calmy finished. King’s were now 3-2 up, with under 10 minutes to go. 

As the clock ticked down and the tension mounted, it looked like King’s had secured the victory. However, in the dying minutes of the match, RGS pulled off a dramatic equaliser, converting another short-corner and making the final score 3-3.  

Captain Lucy W was gushing with pride for her team after the match: “This was a fantastic showcase of girls’ sport and an absolute privilege of which to be part. This is just one great match, with many yet to come this year, and we are excited for what the rest of the season holds.”  

The team were admirably supported by spectators including family, friends, and teachers. It was fantastic to see so many pupils from across The King’s Worcester Foundation joining together to support the team. Year Eight pupil, Mea H said, “It’s been great to come and support our school and the team, and witness some first-class athletic talent. The girls are so very talented, and their performance was amazing and so very inspiring for all us younger pupils here tonight.” 

After the final whistle, both teams celebrated together, with families and friends joining them on the pitch. This relatively young team included seven Fifth Formers (Y11), for whom this was their first experience the Severn Shield, with a big crowd and playing under the lights. In addition to this, the team consisted of a variety of pupils who joined King’s from feeder schools: seven from King’s Hawford, seven from King’s St Alban’s and seven from external schools.  

King’s 1st XI hockey team will now go onto play in the third round of the England National Schools’ Cup, against King’s Chester. King’s Hockey is in a very strong position with the 1st and U13 going strong in the ISHC Cup and the U14 team also progressing to another local derby with Bromsgrove School in the England Hockey National Cup. We wish them all the very best in their national campaigns.

A huge thank you goes to RGS for hosting the game this year. We look forward very much a similar contest at King’s in 2024.