On Tuesday 25th November the KWC U14XI travelled to Leeds University to compete in the North Final of The National Schools Hockey Cup. This was a first for KWC and the Island. The competing squad included Jessica Loader – Captain, Karie Bridson, Emma Courtie, Natasha Ellis, Molly Gibson, Mia Hall, India Jacklin Chatha, Breeshey Jansen, Celia Madgwick, Jemima Shepherd, Elise Telford, Samantha Vels, Francesca Warren and Robyn Wickers.
The girls rushed out onto the pitch after an extended taxi journey for their first match against Pocklington. This started with gusto, scoring their first goal in 5 minutes, care of Karie Bridson who weaved more than half the pitch to get a one on one with the keeper and then calmly placed the ball in the back of the net. Another goal followed quickly by Captain Jessica Loader. A great start to the day, King William’s College secured a 2 – 0 win. A long break followed, during which the girls chatted to a number of supporters in the clubhouse. From the first whistle Mums Mel Jacklin-Chatha & Mel Jansen waved their scarves and cheered the girls on whole heartedly. Support from the local area included some recent King William’s College old boys and girls (OKWs) Stuart Clague, Louise Corkill, Imogen Humphreys, Jessica McGowan and Elizabeth Wilson who entertained the girls with plenty of University stories. Their next match against Newcastle School did not go as well with a 2 – 0 defeat.
Again more support arrived with Francesca Humphreys and OKW Ronnie Grandage. This appeared to spur the girls on even more in their third match against old rivals Queens Schools Chester. A most thrilling encounter, the ball travelled end to end and chances were created and missed by both schools. The final result was a fair reflection: a no score draw. This was enough and the girls qualified as runners up of pool A to play winners of pool B, Leeds Grammar School. After a short break and a change of pitch the girls got themselves psyched up for the biggest game of their hockey career so far. They started well, competing for every ball and showed no signs of the occasion getting the better of them. Celia Madgwick, our Goal Keeper was called upon to face a penalty stroke which was a new experience for the whole team. She performed well holding her nerve and forced the striker to hit the bar. Fatigue started to show and the Leeds girls pressed harder and harder for the goal, finding success with a well worked move down their left flank. However, our girls never gave up and Karie Bridson went on another mazey run, manipulating another one on one with the current England Goal Keeper. It was unfortunate that in the dying seconds of the game Leeds secured another goal to make the final score 2 – 0. Leeds eventually went on to win the final.
Congratulations to all the team who should be very proud of themselves both on and off the pitch. This has been an excellent experience for us all and is testament that it is an achievable target for the future. A huge thank you to all our supporters who helped us make history.
Photo - the KWC U14XI hockey team and supporters at Leeds University.
