Against their first opposition, Framlingham College, the St Edmund’s College team were able to secure a 14-8 win, applying pressure throughout the game by turning over the ball and capitalising on the possession.
Following their first win, they faced Broxbourne School. A closely contested and well-fought game, the girls rose to the challenge and held their nerve until the final whistle, coming away with an 11-9 win.
Next, Stephen Perse Foundation presented a challenge with a tall gall shooter. As practised, the U19’s were able to break their opponent’s play down early within the game and apply immense defensive pressure. This tactful play led to a 19-8 win for St Edmund’s College.
With only two group games remaining, the U19’s knew they had to remain focused. Gresham School rattled the girls by leading the first half, but the U19’s patience with their possession proved pivotal for the St Edmund’s College team, as they turned the game around to win 14-9.
In the final group game, the St Edmund’s team faced Brentwood School. The U19’s managed to settle into a rhythm quickly, resulting in the win needed to place them at the top of the group and qualify the team for the semi-finals.
Squad: Courtney Ferns (C), Mairead Sheehy, Nada Tadros, Beth Gardner, Antonella Pittaluga, Ella Buenaventura, Chloe Hoban, Toni Akinola, Adeoluwa Okufuwa
The semi-finals saw the U19’s face The Bishop’s Stortford High School; a previous and challenging team for the St Edmund’s U19’s. With the score level at the half-time whistle, both teams had all to play for. The match progressed on a goal-for-goal basis, however, through patient possession, the St Edmund’s team secured a win and a place in the finals.
The final match against Felsted School would decide the East Regional Champions, and the St Edmund’s team was quick to establish a lead. Despite an injury in the final minutes of the game, the St Edmund’s College U19 team secured a 16-9 victory and their place as East Regional Champions.
The team will now progress to represent the East at the National Finals in March and we wish them the best of luck.