RGS The Grange girls finish second in the hockey nationals

15 Jan 2013

A Worcester school has finished runner-up in the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) National Under 11 Hockey Finals, held at Repton School in Derbyshire.

The team from RGS The Grange started the tournament in disappointing fashion, with a 1-0 defeat to Clifton Prep School. But the side’s battling qualities showed as they followed up with three wins against South Lee (Bury St Edmunds), Witham Hall (Lincolnshire) and Twyford School (Winchester), without conceding any goals, to finish second in their group.

In the quarter finals The Grange came up against the previous year’s champions; Danes Hill from Surrey. A tremendous defensive performance was franked by a goal five minutes from time from Lottie Atkinson to secure a 1-0 win.

In the semi final, the girls played local rivals Warwick Prep School. Keeper Jess Biddle continued her good form, producing one breath-taking save. With the clock ticking down a Lucy Hawkes strike deflected in for a 1-0 lead and a place in the final against Junior King’s Canterbury.

The Grange started the final on the back foot conceding an early goal. Despite a huge effort, the girls could not peg it back and the school finished 0-1, but runners-up was an extraordinary achievement.

“I was incredibly proud standing on the touchline,” said Gareth Hughes, Head of The Grange. “This caps a superb season for the team, winning three tournaments, including the IAPS Regional Final. We can rightly call them one of the very best teams in the whole country and that is some achievement.”

Caption
Back row (left to right): Lucy Tasker; Lottie Atkinson; Hannah Middleton; Isabella Nott; Jemma Moseley.
Front row: Sophie Thompson; Charlotte Atkinson; Jessica Biddle; Hannah Atkinson; Lucy Hawkes