Under 13 Hockey Team Make King’s History

The under 13 hockey team have made history as the first King’s team to play in the ISHC Cup finals, after travelling to Nottingham Hockey Centre for their final two games of the tournament.  

The team’s first match was their semi-final against RGS Newcastle. The girls started very quickly with an early goal from Erin L, closely followed by a goal for Katie C after a dominant run down the right-hand side of the pitch by Erin L. King’s continued to work hard and stick to their principles of play to score a third goal through Ella G, calmly tucked in the corner, on the fourth phase of a short corner. This meant the girls went into half time 3-0 up.

RGS Newcastle started the second half very strongly and scored two quick fire goals to take the game back to 3-2. King’s maintained their composure and belief, which led to an excellent solo goal from Elsie S to take the score to 4-2. RGS Newcastle pulled back one more goal, but we were able to see out the game to take us through to the final.

The team faced Surbiton High School in the final; we knew they were a very strong team, but the girls maintained belief in their ability. Surbiton made a strong start but we defended exceptionally, applying pressure to the ball and forcing Surbiton wide. A fluid counter attack passage of play saw us open the scoring through Katie C.

Despite us continuing to work hard and playing some very strong defensive hockey, Surbiton were able to score three well worked team goals before half time. The girls maintained their focus and after some tactical changes at half time, had some strong phases in the game. Issie F denied Surbiton further chances through some fantastic goal keeping, but they eventually managed to take two more of their chances, to go 5-1 up.

The girls did not let their heads drop and continued to show great desire and work rate. We finished the game with a fantastic team goal, starting with a transfer out of the back and ending with Poppy G firing in on the far post.

Surbiton were an excellent team, and the girls should be very proud of their silver medals, making them the second best independent U13 team in the country.

Congratulations to all the girls on this remarkable achievement.