GIRLS' GAMES Under the captaincy of Melanie Gibb the 2nd XI had a good term, winning half of their matches. At times it was difficult to give as many players as possible a game while retaining a nucleus of players to give the team stability. The first two games of the season were high scoring wins over Manor and Fyling Hall — in both Sarah Durham was very strong in attack. They continued undefeated until the middle of the season when the team suffered a 0—5 loss against Mount St. Mary's. Here they failed to concentrate under pressure and silly mistakes crept into their play. Losses by one goal against Hymers and Worksop were close games which could have gone either way. On the plus side there were two convincing wins against Durham and Queen Mary's, Baldersby Park where they showed some good teamwork. Particularly towards the end of term Eleanor Bowling displayed promising stickwork in attack; Laura Clark, Emily Strong and Pippa Smith played well in defence throughout the term.
HOCKEY 1st and 2nd XI This has been a very successful season for the 1st XI, but more important than that they have enjoyed their hockey, playing the game in a friendly yet competitive spirit. Early on in the term four girls were selected for the York Area Under 18 Squad. These were Sophie Jackson, Angela Rosindale, Julia Thompson and Nic Westwood — a commendable achievement which proved to be a very worthwhile experience for the girls concerned; however, towards the end of term this commitment, plus school matches, demanded much of them. The team had a run of wins which carried on, interrupted by only one draw, until the 13th(!) match. This success was triggered in the second game of the season where the girls had a good win against Leeds High School, and it was immediately evident that Sophie Jackson's workrate, skill and captaincy were going to be the deciding factors in many close games. Perhaps the best win of the first half term was over York Sixth Form College, a strong team against whom we played intelligent hockey, making good use of our wings Emma Ward and Angela Rosindale, which countered the Sixth Form College's domination of the centre of the pitch. Up to this time the good weather had contributed to the high standard of skilled hockey played by the side. However, against Giggleswick the wind almost took over, but with the defence showing characteristic determination, allied to Nic Westwood's strength in attack, both conditions and opposition were overcome.
Many thanks are due to the groundstaff for the superb condition of the pitches; this has a great bearing on the type of hockey played and adds enormously to the enjoyment of the game. P. Fletcher The following represented the 1st XI: E. Bowling, L. Clark, C. Cooper, S. Durham, S. Jackson*, C. Morris*, S. Musgrave, S. Pitt, I. Pollard, A. Rosindale*, H. Sans, L. Sans*, P. Smith, A. Suttill*, J. Thompson*, C. Walker, E. Ward*, J. Webster, N. Westwood*. * Colours
With a good team it was perhaps disappointing that they made a comparatively poor showing in the 1st XI Tournament. However, on reflection the team tended to be slow and methodical in build-up and short tournament games were not their forte. After endless 0-0 draws they scraped into the semi-finals where they lost by a penalty corner to Queen Margaret's, the eventual winners. Anne Suttill made some excellent saves in goal, and continued to play consistently well throughout the term. After half term there were some more good wins, notably those against Mount St. Mary's and Ackworth. Only towards the end of term did the momentum run out. Away at Worksop a jaded team gave a lack-lustre performance and the resulting loss was no surprise. On their heavier pitch our lack of power, especially in hitting, was very noticeable. Indeed the team were to make hard work of the last few games of term. Fortunately a good result at the beginning of December against Barnard Castle revived the spirits, so it was a shame to play against a strong Scarborough College with a below strength team. Despite losing, Connelee Morris and Louisa Sans played with determination, as they had done from the start of the season.
Caps awarded for excellent play to Sophie Jackson. The Jackson-Pacey Cup for most improved player to Julia Thompson. The following represented the 2nd XI: E. Bowling, L. Clark, E. Copley, S. Durham, J. Ensor, C. Farrow, M. Gibb, C. Lawson, C. Malster, S. Pitt, R. Robertson, V. Robinson, S. Sanderson, H. Sans, L. Sans, D. Smith, E. Strong, G. Taylor, S. Tilston, C. Walker, J. Webster, S. Williamson, D. Wooding. Results 1st XI Tadcaster H.C. Leeds High School Fyling Hall York Sixth Form College Giggleswick Under 18 Tournament Pocklington St. Aidan's Queen Margaret's 2nd XI 70
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Won 1—0 Won 2—0 Won 5-0 Won 1—0 Won 3—2 Semi-finalists Won 2—1 Drew 1—1 Won 3—0
