Bishop’s Stortford College U14 XI girls won the East championship title and are through to the Hockey Association National Finals.

12 Dec 2012


In their first match against The Leys, Cambridge, despite playing almost entirely in their half, the Hertfordshire-based school could not convert and had to settle for a draw (0-0). The result was disappointing but the way the girls played gave everyone confidence for the next games.

They faced Junior King’s, Canterbury next and again played some inspiring hockey. This time Lucy Mackaness found the goal twice & despite conceding a goal against the run of play they secured a good win (2-1).


The final game against Queenswood was one the girls simply had to win. The worst possible start saw Queenswood go ahead, but Bishop’s Stortford College fought back immediately to score from a well taken corner by Lucy Mackaness. A lovely move down the right of the pitch resulted in a great finish from Lucy Buckingham to put the team 2 – 1 up at half time. It was a case of holding their nerve through the second half which the girls did with a maturity beyond their years.


As East Champions, Bishop’s Stortford College will travel to Cannock in February to compete in the National Finals.

“This is a team who work for each other rather than relying on any particular individuals,” said Director of College Sport and coach Lyndsay Shepherd. “They gave everything on the day & thoroughly deserved their success. I am incredibly proud of them.”

Squad: Rosie Smithers, Caitlin Mahoney, Sophie Beaumont, Philippa Otter, Claudia Lax-Tanner, Nicole Buckingham, Anna Calder, Lily Lewin, Lucy Buckingham, Elizabeth Francis, Imogen Poulter, Lucy Mackaness, Katherine Watson, Amber Sewell, Hettie Jones-Chapman.