A week of qualification for RGS Hockey
We have had a week of qualification for RGS Hockey, with three teams progressing to the next round of competitions.
On Monday 22 November we were pleased to host the Under 18 Midlands Regional Zone Indoor Hockey qualifier. In the opening game against King’s High Warwick, the RGS Worcester team set the tone with goals in the first few minutes! They continued to play at a high intensity, concluding with a 5-0 win. This high quality performance remained consistent throughout the second game against Trent College, taking a comfortable lead but even after conceding, RGS maintained composure to win 5-2, finish as tournament Winners and gain qualification to the Regional Finals on 3 December at Repton School. This tournament also provides the opportunity for the winning team to qualify for the National Finals.
Wednesday saw our Under 14A team qualify as runners up in the Regional Zone Tournament for a place at the Regional Finals next week. RGS succeeded with a 1-0 win against Denstone College with a goal from Maddison Lavoipierre and, although losing 0-3 to Repton School, the girls performed well and created opportunities to score against a talented opposition.
Thursday was the day for our Under 16A team to progress to the next round of the England Hockey Plate. After playing three games in the Plate, the girls are competing with some of the best schools across the country. With a mixture of Year Ten and Eleven pupils, this young squad beat Monkton Combe 1-0 with a goal from Sydney Blanchenot. They will play against Canford School or Blundell’s School in an away match in the next round, when they will have the chance to qualify for the Quarter Finals.
RGS Worcester was also very pleased to host an Under 13 Hockey Tournament at the new Worcester International Hockey Centre this week. Teams from Hanley Swan, Christopher Whitehead and RGS Dodderhill all had great fun playing on the new pitches.
It is great to hear that so many RGS Worcester players have been invited to Junior Academy and Development Hockey sessions, which provides the opportunity for selection through the England Hockey pathway. Worcester International Hockey Centre is a host venue for the Under 15 and Under 16/17 girls and the squad is coached by RGS Head of Hockey, Leanne Bennett. This will provide the opportunity for those selected for the County Tournaments to play against other County teams across the Midlands.
Good luck to our 1st and 2nd XI Hockey teams who will play against King’s School on Wednesday next week. With the 1st XI playing their match at the new Worcester International Hockey Centre, the fixture should prove to be a great occasion and we look forward to a really competitive match.
Miss Leanne Bennett
Head of Hockey Liaison & Head of Hockey
