HOCKEY GIRLS

1st Xi Squad

Captain: O. Sykes (M)

Vice-Captain: S. Dunn (G)

I. Astoin (F), P. Barlow (F),

E. Bowman (M), M. Broderick (F),

M. Butterworth (M), E. Grindal (M),

M. Jackson (M), P. Jowett (F),

H. Lammael (A), A. Mayfield (G), M. Pollock (M), M. Prince (F), T. Vaughan (M)

Also played: G. Barlow (G), E. Bowley (F), B. Phillips (F),

I. Welldon (M), R. Ogden (F),

T. O’Brien (G)

With the success of last year firmly at the front of their minds, this changed but talented group of girls began this year with a pre-season tour to South America.

A test series against Chile U21 with stunning backdrops proved to be a tough test and challenged the girls’ tactical and physical game. A 1st XI tour also provided chance to rotate 22 players against talented opposition and full-strength teams in Chile, followed by Argentinian selection sides. A tour like nothing experienced before provided memories to last a lifetime with a fantastic team as well as exciting performances to build upon this season.

Upon returning to Repton the season kicked off with a tightly contested Old Reptonian XI fixture to mark the formal opening of the Twigg-McCallin Room, a fitting testament to two of Repton’s biggest success stories. Many players were involved, and pupils rose to the challenge of playing with and against former Olympians and testing themselves for the season ahead.

Our 1st XI edged the game with a 3-2 victory with a fine first performance in maroon for Hannah L.

September provided a busy schedule with comprehensive victories against Loughborough University and Belper Hockey Club, as well as a narrow victory over Nottingham University with a late crucial goal. The team began their EH Tier 1 title defence with strong victories over Oakham, Sedbergh and Trent, scoring 14 goals in three games, with goals shared among many and some providing important performances, again setting the bar high for the season to follow.

Further impressive displays at home to Denstone and Kirkham Grammar continued to grow belief among the group, knowing an away win at RGS Newcastle would see them top the group and gain a home Quarter-Final in the National Tier 1 Championship. Tough playing conditions provided a much different game with the home side defending deep, leaving little room to attack. This tested the girls in many ways but was testament to their quality across the pitch, shining in the second half and enjoying a muchdeserved win.

After Half-Term the squad began preparations for indoor hockey and with hopes to retain the Indoor National Title. With Repton being lucky enough to host, the girls made sure to make use of the home advantage. They approached the season knowing the competition would be tough but were confident after last year’s success and in the strength of the squad, and January saw us reach the National Finals. Though it was a strong pool to navigate and an early goal from Framlingham could have prompted an early set back, it proved no match for the girls as they showed their class in front of goal and talent across the board. Repton headed to the Final with relative ease. However, this proved to be a nervous game with little flow, and despite creating numerous chances, a frustrating 2-2 draw took us to a shootout with Sevenoaks. As is so often the case, our players rose to the occasion with the girls scoring important penalties and Martha B saving the crucial final penalty to win the shootout for Repton - a fitting end to the indoor season with an impressive showing throughout.

With focus returning to the outdoor season, the girls quickly found their feet, scoring plenty of goals against Hockey Mentors and winning another tightly-contested affair with Nottingham University, scoring a lastminute corner and once again showing their quality and ability to win closely contested fixtures.

The Quarter-Finals saw us host Millfield in tough playing conditions but with a crowd firmly set on cheering the team through to the Semi-Finals. A slightly nervous start to the game was soon to be forgotten as the team showed their class and ability to overcome any opposition and ruthless edge in front of goal. Millfield had their chances, yet our defence once again showed their ability to be calm and keep a clean sheet even when under pressure, and they deserved the 5-0 win.

Another trip to Lee Valley for the National Semi-Final awaited, with the team’s eyes set on retaining their title. A convincing display against Epsom once again proved why this group of players is so unique, with the tone set early with important goals and chances created, whilst making it very difficult for the opposition to keep hold of the ball. A solid 7-0 victory set up a National Final against Framlingham the following day.

The Final proved to be a truly fitting end to another incredibly successful season. An early finish from Minnie P, set up by Sienna D, put Repton on the front foot from the start.

Framlingham were strong opposition and had chances but a flurry of three exceptional goals from Evie G soon put Repton out of sight. Framlingham claimed a late consolation goal through a penalty corner before Miranda J struck a clinical back hand to seal the win, ensuring Repton retained both National Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles, again showing their undeniable quality and ability to do what so few have achieved - much less so in such style with stunning performances.

Captain Ottilie S and Vice- Captain Sienna D have led the team superbly all year and performed at the highest level throughout. This year’s Upper Sixth have a depth of talent like no other and have made an outstanding contribution to hockey at Repton and the success of all teams. I thank them all for their truly outstanding ability, influence on younger players and superb commitment to always ensuring the highest standards. In addition to school success Ottilie, Sienna, Tilly B, Tabby V, Evie G and Hannah L have represented their countries at numerous international tests and tournaments. Several players have also competed in the National Premier League, won the Indoor Premier League and secured places at prestigious universities for the next academic year to combine their academic and hockey abilities.

It has been a privilege to see this 1st XI grow throughout the year and observe the manner in which they approach everything whether it be hockey, academics or off the pitch. They have continued to raise the standard of school hockey at Repton and across the country and have achieved success other teams could only dream of. They have been the most amazing group of players to coach but also people to know. Those who leave us, you will be greatly missed and thank you.

GP

Squad

Captain: G. Barlow (G)

I. Barnes (G), E. Bowley (F), I. Bolger (G),

I. Canenti (M), E. Fraser (M),

T. Hinds (M), B. Holdsworth (F),

I. Hobson (F), J. Hood (M),

J. Langley (M), R. Ogden (F),

B. Purvis (M), P. Ross (A), S. Shield (G),

F. Wedgwood (A), I. Welldon (M), D. Wong (M)

Also played: I. Aston (F),

S. Dunn (M), E. Grindal (M),

H. Lammael (A), B. Phillips (F),

M. Pollock (M), M. Prince (F)

School Fixtures

some great passages of play, with Bella C and Freya W providing match-winning performances.

Our first home game of the season saw us face Nottingham University and promised to be a tough physical challenge. Although slightly slow to start, our forwards were impressive in the circle. Goals, all provided by Lower Sixth pupils, showed the ability the team has across both years and again helped the team to a strong win.

Our Nottingham High fixture in the Independent Schools Cup allowed us the opportunity to settle into the season and an impressive first half saw the team 5-0 up at half-time. Knowing the second half would be more challenging, Captain Georgie B led the team brilliantly and ensured the result was as impressive as the team's performance.

A long away day to Sedbergh with a depleted team saw us the wrong end of a 3-0 game. Fine counter-attacking play from the home side early in the game resulted in us being behind quickly. After a half-time reset, the girls put in their best performance of the season so far and showed they could really compete with one of the country’s top 1st XIs. Though the result wasn’t what we wanted, the girls’ return journey home showed their brilliant character and provided several comical moments.

After the disappointment of Sedbergh, we hosted Loughborough High, determined to put things right. An end-to-end match ended 1-1 with both sides having plenty of chances. However, a calm and composed shootout saw us through to the next round of the cup.

A tough loss to Solihull away in the National Cup was difficult to take after one of the best team performances of the season, including two brilliant goals from Freya W and some fine defending from Jess H.

In our final home game of the season we hosted Trent 1st XI in Round 4 of the Independent Schools Cup. A strengthened team showed their class and dominated the game. Classy individual displays and clinical finishes saw a more than convincing 7-2 win and a place in the Quarter-Final.

Our final game of the year was upon us too early. However, a trip to King’s High provided some outstanding highs. An early goal for Kingston Grammar 1st XI put us on the back foot going into half time. The second half saw us completely on top but conceding a good counter-attack finish. Outstanding performances across the pitch from all players really showed how far the team have developed across the year, but no matter the chances, the ball just didn’t seem to go in the goal. In the final five minutes some brilliant pressing finally saw us score a brilliant goal. Though time was slipping away, with 40 seconds left on the clock a truly outstanding goal forced the game to extra time. With chances missed in extra time we headed to a shootout, but unfortunately we were unable to complete the brilliant comeback. Though a tough final game, the girls can be proud of everything they have achieved this season, playing some exceptional hockey and providing even more hilarious moments in every training session and all matches.

The year started off well for the 2nd XI with a great first Cup game against Mount St Mary’s, and despite having little time together as a team, the girls put in a fine performance, connecting well. Assured finishes from a range of players helped us to a convincing first win. This year the 2nd XI entered two cup competitions and our first National Cup game saw the team go behind early on. However, the girls soon settled and began to show their potential in

We travelled to Oundle in another competitive fixture, where an impressive attacking start and sound defending throughout saw another clean sheet and five goals scored, with Hannah L providing the moment of the game, by carrying the ball over 60 yards and slicing through Oundle’s defence.

This team has been a pleasure to coach - a great group of players - and has made the season fun and enjoyable in its entirety. Upper Sixth, I wish you the very best. It has been brilliant to have you in the People’s XI and you will be missed. GP

P7 W4 D1 L2 F30 A10

Squad

Captain: G. Anwyl (M)

H. Barker (M), J. Edwards (A), I. Girvan (F), J. Grace (F), H. Harte (G), H. Jackson (A), A. Marriott (F), A. Parkes (M), S. Payne (A), E. Porter (G), M. Rose (G), G. Tatam (G), C. Tate (M)

Also played: E. Geary (A), I. Hobson (F), O. Ingham (M), I. Weldon (M)

It was always going to be challenging playing against a University of Nottingham team for the first match of the season, but, although defeated 2-4, there was no doubt the team had real potential with an attacking mindset. Ava M and Molly R ensured the defence was solid, with Gracie A leading by example throughout the season. In the four games before Half-Term the team scored 25 goals and only conceded two. Given any opportunity in front of goal Harriet J could be relied upon, and Georgie T playing defence could not resist the opportunity to get into the opposition half!

The team were very excited to have been entered for the Tier 4 National Cup in the second half of the term: the first occasion a Repton 3rd XI had entered into a National competition. Two groups of four were entered into the Midlands qualifying round and after two games the team had lost to Wrekin and drawn their second game. But in a very close game the XI defeated Nottingham High School, which was enough to qualify for the Regional Finals. The MacDonald’s was certainly well-deserved on the return to Repton. Sadly, in the Regional Qualifying at Rugby, the team just came up short and did not make it through. However, they should be proud of what they achieved throughout the season and the outlook looks bright for next year!

EWCW

Squad

R. Bowman (M), K. Butler (G), I. Chihota (G), E. Clark (M), M. Deaton (F), Z. Dunn (F), S. Haines (M), J. Leavesley (M), I. Orpin (A), S. Steele (A), I. Turton (A), O. Wenham (M) Also played: T. Capewell (A), C. Chapman (A), L. Iorio (A), L. Kildare (F), S. Merryfield (G), M. Oborn (G), A. Payne (G), A. Thandi (A), I. White (M), L. Wholey (G)

Yet again, the U16 girls’ hockey side built on their tradition of being the country’s best and showed everybody their incredible teamwork and talent. With their target for the season to become National Champions, it was obvious that lots of hard work and dedication was needed. But this group of players never failed. The commitment and discipline shown was staggering and highlighted everything that makes a Reptonian special.

Before the National tournament kicked off, it was important that the U16A cup side laid some foundations to build upon in the latter stages of the season. With Isobel O, Jemima L, Bella C and Rosie B forming the spine of the team, it was clear that the side was already in a strong position, all four players complementing each other well and impacting each area of the pitch. This was epitomised in the National Cup Semi-Final and Final.

Throughout the course of the early season, other players started to grow, and the likes of Katy B, Sophie H and Ellen C also became integral to the team, often having huge impacts on games, particularly in the matches against Denstone and Shrewsbury.

The change of the fixture list meant that Repton had to play against some tough sides - Nottingham High School U18A, Shrewsbury U18A and Oundle’s U16 Cup side, to name a few. Despite the challenges that they faced, their work ethic and teamwork were never in question, and I was incredibly proud of the way the side carried themselves throughout every fixture.

I can only thank the entire squad for their hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the season. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as coach of the team and look forward to seeing them move into the next phase of Repton hockey.

National Cup

With several byes in the early rounds, the team, led by Beth P supported by Isobel O, knew they had to train hard and could not be complacent. An important victory against Wakefield provided momentum leading into their biggest game of the season – against favourites Surbiton High. Repton is not normally associated with the tag ‘underdog’, but on this occasion they certainly were. But Bella C stepped up and led what was one of the most impressive U16 displays on record, scoring a crucial goal to help the side win 3-2.

This gave the side a home SemiFinal against The Perse. Once again a brilliant, free-flowing Repton team blew their opposition away, scoring three unanswered goals, with Ellen C performing magnificently on the day to help neutralise The Perse’s biggest threat.

As in the previous year, this put Repton into the National Final against Millfield. A slow start saw us concede two early goals, making it a real test of character. But one thing this side had was character and the ability to fight for each other. In the space of six minutes, Rosie B scored three consecutive short-corner goals and Repton suddenly were 3-2 in front. At this point, we became dominant again and structurally outplayed Millfield. Repton controlled the match thereafter and, after scoring a fourth goal, became National Champions once again.

The Repton U16A side can be incredibly proud of their journey and there is no doubt they are among the best sides Repton has produced. Every member of the side played a huge role in creating a team of National Champions and I am incredibly excited to see their development into senior hockey next year.