On Monday, the U14 Girls Hockey team set off for the England Hockey National Finals held at the recently opened Hockey Centre at the Olympic Park Stratford.  The girls were one of only 8 teams to make this finals day and were therefore up against the best schools in the country.  Having worked through an intensive 3 week training programme to get back up to speed with their hockey, the girls were keen to get out on the pitch where all the stars of Rio 2016 have played on regular occasions for Great Britain.  Having enjoyed a Nandos and some time in the Westfield shopping centre they did this on Monday night before heading back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. 

Their first match on Tuesday saw them take on the eventual winners of the tournament; Surbiton High School.  Having soaked up some initial pressure through some excellent defending; especially via Amalia Nolan, Norwich took the lead through Maddie Peachment after some excellent work from Amelia Barclay.  Surbiton came out in the second half and played with a very high intensity and snatched two quick goals and although Norwich had other chances, they were unable to convert, meaning the end result was 2-1.

The second match saw Norwich face Wakefield.  Norwich conceded in the first half but got in to the swing of things in the second with Amelia Barclay slotting home a penalty corner to make the final score 1-1.  Kitty Taylor picked a drag flick above her head on the line to ensure Norwich picked up the point.

This meant Norwich needed to beat Clifton to secure 2nd place in the group and a play off for 3/4th.  Norwich started brightly and played some very good hockey – mimicking the intensity they had seen other teams play with.  They were unlucky to find themselves trailing at half time.  Although having had more possession and a number of good chances, the side were unable to convert this to goals, losing their final match.  This left them 3rd overall in the group and therefore ranked 5th or 6th.

All of the 17 girls involved did the school proud; not just in their achievement of reaching a major final and competing but in the way they developed a wonderful team spirit throughout the season.  The ability to stick together when the going gets tough and to be positive in the face of adversity was certainly the difference in reaching the finals and played a huge part in their performances during it.  Although the results were slightly frustrating it was great to see that we are able to match the standard needed to compete at this level.

Thanks must go to Miss Figgitt, Mr Rowe, Mr Sorrell, Mr Cowan and Mike the bus driver for their contributions throughout the year supporting the girls on their journey this season.  We all look forward to seeing how their journey will continue them in the future.