WELCOME
RGS Worcester is looking forward to hosting the Severn Shield Hockey match this evening at our International Hockey Centre. After such a close contest last year, we hope the teams enjoy the occasion. After a successful season last year which saw the RGS 1st XI reach the semifinal of the national England Hockey Tier 2 competition, this new team is still learning combinations and settling into their own pattern of play. They have played thirteen fixtures so far, winning eight including against local competition such as Bromsgrove School, Cheltenham College and Malvern College. As a relatively young team, they will continue to develop as the season progresses. There are now over 20 boys’ and girls’ teams playing Hockey at RGS, making good use of the water-based pitches at the International Hockey Centre and the astroturf pitch at RGS The Grange. With over 150 outdoor Hockey fixtures taking place this term, as well as an Indoor Hockey programme with fixtures and competitions, it is great to see so many pupils enjoying playing Hockey, wearing green and representing RGS. Our thanks to the staff from both Schools who have organised this fixture and who continue to support all of our pupils in their Sports development. We hope that you enjoy another good contest this evening which will showcase girls’ sport and I am sure will be played with a strong competitive spirit on the pitch, and friendship off the pitch. John Pitt, Headmaster
In the second year of the Severn Shield Competition, we are delighted to return to the Worcester Hockey Centre for this annual hockey fixture, one that has been hotly contested for many years. We thank our hosts, RGS, and the players and sports staff from both Schools, who have trained so hard to prepare for what we know will be a most enjoyable and determined game. Tremendous talent will be on display and, with two such well-matched sides, who have competed against one another so recently, the result is likely to be close. Our girls enjoyed a most successful hockey and netball tour to South Africa over the summer which, as well as many games against local clubs, included a visit to The Goedgedacht Trust, who assist local villagers by educating adults to improve their employability, and providing food and free childcare facilities. On tour, all girls represented both sports equally, so this was great preparation for our fixtures and competitions this year. I wish players, staff and spectators, family, friends and alumni, a most enjoyable evening as we celebrate the wonderful talent, endeavour, determination, and fair play of our sporting community. Gareth Doodes, Headmaster
1st VII Hockey Squad 2023
Coaches: Mrs Leanne Bennett-Howells and Miss Sally Walton
Amelia Bentley-Hughes, Sydney Blanchenot, Amy Brinkley, Fynn Butler, Teyah Farmer (Captain), Sophie Gebhardt, Niamh Goold, Isla Goold, Vicki Hearn, Keira Higgins, Maddie Lavoipierre, Ana Nicholls, Lottie Nicholls, Katy Pitt, Holly Potter, Jessica Potter, Mya Walford, Grace Williams, Kaylani Zulkiplee
Captain’s Profile Name: Teyah Farmer Position: Right Midfield Sporting idol: Lily Owsley, speedy and a very skilled Midfield player Best sporting achievement: Scoring a penalty flick in the cup quarter finals! Warm up playlist must have: Any Taylor Swift song Most memorable moment: Playing in the semi-final of the national England Hockey competition
1st VII Hockey Squad 2023 Coach: Mrs Lora Miller-Symonds
Frankie Barry, Kate Bullock, Martha Burden, Ruby Collins, Izzy Da Silva, Bryony Gillgrass, Grace Jansen Van Vurren, Izzy Kavanagh, Jaime Lewis, Lara Meredith, Lilia Mico, Bea Morgan, Rosie R Stone, Becca Stone, Amelia Taft, Lucy Wadley (Captain), Anna Wales, Phoebe Webster, Lottie Wilkinson, Eleanor Witt
Captain’s Profile Name: Lucy Wadley Position: Centre Midfield Sporting idol: Fiona Crackles Best sporting achievement: Performance Centre (PC) Challenge Cup Warm up playlist must have: Ms Jackson, Outkast Most memorable moment: Playing Hockey on South Africa Sports Tour
A Beginner’s Guide to Hockey The match is played between two teams of 11 players (10 field players and the Goalkeeper). The match starts with a push-back from the centre of the field. Players move the ball by hitting it with their sticks. The ball must be passed or dribbled at all times down the field of play using the flat side of the stick. A goal is scored when a ball crosses the goal line having been touched in the scoring circle by an attacking player. Players are not allowed to use their feet, hands, or any other body part to control the ball, and they cannot obstruct players. If a player commits a foul, the opposing team is awarded a free hit. The types of fouls that can be committed during a game include: Foot foul: when a player uses their feet to control the ball. Obstruction: when a player obstructs the path of another player who is trying to move towards the ball. Stick foul: when a player hits another player’s stick instead of the ball. Dangerous play: when a player takes an action that could cause injury to themselves or others. Backsticks: when a player hits the ball with the rounded side of the stick instead of the flat side. If a foul is committed inside the shooting circle, the opposing team is awarded a penalty corner. During a penalty corner, the attacking team injects the ball from the baseline to outside the edge of the circle, and the defending team must defend from within their goal. The game is either played in two halves or four quarters depending on the level of performance.
Goal Penalty Spot
Centre Line
Shooting Circle
Thank you for your support this evening at the 1st VII Hockey fixture. At tonight’s match there will be a charitable collection in aid of St. Richard’s Hospice. The hospice cares for people with a serious progressive illness who have complex needs which cannot be met by other services. These include cancer and neurological, respiratory, cardiac and renal conditions. We wish both teams all the very best and hope that the 2023 ‘Severn Shield’ will be another memorable event to celebrate girls’ sport. Miss Leanne Bennett-Howells Head of Hockey RGS Worcester
Mrs Lora Miller-Symonds Head of Hockey, Director of Sport King’s School Worcester
St Richard’s Hospice was founded in 1984 and is a local independent, Worcestershire charity. They care for adults with a serious progressive illness who have complex needs which cannot be met by other services. These include cancer and neurological, respiratory, cardiac and renal conditions. St Richard’s Hospice aims to improve the quality of life of adults from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days St Richards Hospice supports more than 1,220 patients, loved ones, carers and the bereaved every day – at the hospice, in people’s own homes or in the community. The majority of income is from public donations; this includes gifts in wills, one off or regular donations, fundraising events and personal challenges, trading, legacies and grants from trusts and business sponsorship. Approximately a quarter of income is funded from the NHS. With your kind donations, St Richards Hospice can continue their fantastic work in providing those in need with the vital support where and when it is needed most.