Sedbergh secure silver in National Hockey Finals

Match report from Mr Ashley Suddes
Sedbergh v Headington School (6-2) [Semi-Final]
Sedbergh v Repton School (1-6) [Final]

This week saw the under 16 girls team head down to the Olympic Park, London for National Schools Finals with the aim of becoming the best team in the country. In the semi-final, Sedbergh had been drawn against Headington School and whilst the girls took some new nerves into this fixture they soon started to find their rhythm. After going one nil down early on this acted as the catalyst into upping their performance and Sedbergh quickly hit back with multiple goals. The speed and direction of Sedbergh’s play was too much for Headington to handle and goals flowed in. Most noticeably, Flanagan scoring a Hat-trick. Every player in the team played a key role throughout the entire game which was epitomised with fast, slick and precise hockey outclassing Headington. A sensational semi-final performance finished in a 6-2 victory meaning the girls were guaranteed the next day to be either 1st or 2nd in the country.

The final saw Sedbergh play Repton and unfortunately this got off to the worst start possible, conceding within 30 seconds. Uncharacteristically, Sedbergh were poor to start as the occasion took its toll. Repton followed this up with two quickfire goals and Sedbergh struggled to ever get back into the game. Taylor pulled a goal back for Sedbergh but this never really caused an influx of pressure on the Repton goal. Despite the score, full credit to the girls for sticking with it throughout the game and persevering, their attitude and approach for the entire game was impeccable and they can certainly hold their heads up high. Repton were by far the better side and thoroughly deserved the win. The final score against Repton was 6-1 which slightly flattered the opposition. To finish second in the country is an absolutely astonishing achievement in which every single player within the team can be proud. They have all created history and hopefully this is just the start for this group of girls. 

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