Severn Shield Showdown at Worcester International Hockey Centre
In a nail-biting match at the Worcester International Hockey Centre, the 1st XI Hockey teams of RGS Worcester and King’s School battled fiercely for the prestigious Hockey Severn Shield.
Despite the rain falling early on, a large crowd of nearly 400 spectators from both Schools gathered on Wednesday evening to watch the match.
The first half showcased a spirited duel between the two teams. King’s School secured the first goal, but Amelia Bentley-Hughes responded with a fantastic goal from a well-rehearsed RGS penalty corner ensuring that the match reached half-time deadlocked at 1-1.
The second half saw Mya Walford score a team goal for RGS from open play to seize the lead. Despite dominating territory and two King’s pupils being sent off temporarily, the elusive third goal remained out of reach and when King’s were back to full strength they scored an equaliser and then a third goal after a bully off. Undeterred, Amelia Bentley-Hughes struck again, converting a second penalty corner and levelling the score at 3-3. The players on both teams exhibited unwavering determination and thrilled the large crowd until the final whistle.
Following the match, Headmaster, John Pitt, thanked the spectators for attending the fixture and the coaches and organisers for arranging the match, before congratulating the players and presenting the Severn Shield to the two Captains. RGS Worcester’s Hockey Captain, Upper Sixth student Teyah Farmer, said: “It was a great honour to lead the team in the annual Severn Shield match. The team displayed exceptional resilience and stamina in the action-packed game.”
RGS Worcester’s Head of Hockey, Mrs Leanne Bennett-Howells said: “I am immensely proud of how our girls conducted themselves during the build-up to this fixture and from the second they stepped on the pitch. They applied the game plan effectively and adapted when needed. Against a clinical opposition, our RGS Hockey style of play was appreciated by spectators and the Severn Shield event was an excellent advertisement for girls’ Sport.”
Well done to the players and thank you to everyone who came along to support the team.
We look forward to the next high profile Senior fixture which will be in Rugby for the Modus Cup at Sixways Stadium at 2.00pm on Sunday 10 December. Please put the date in your diary and come and cheer on the players in green!