IAPS SUCCESS
The U11A hockey team travelled down to Hurstpierpoint College last week, to compete in the regional rounds of the IAPS Hockey Tournament.
Initially being placed in a highly competitive pool with four other teams made for a challenging start for Somerhill, picking up a couple of draws in their opening matches against St. Ronans and Hurst. However, the girls soon returned to their goal scoring ways, winning 4-1 against Brighton and 1-0 against Windlesham to not only win the group stages but to remain undefeated.
They then faced a particularly skilfull Sutton Valence team in the cup quarterfinals, resulting in a nail biting 0-0 draw at the end of time. Meaning a tense penalty shuffles competition ensued. Somerhill, mustering all their bravery and energy won the penalty shuffles 2-1 and advanced to the semi-finals. A confident performance, and a superb half-volley goal from Emily T, which was worthy of goal of the tournament, secured our place in the final, following a 1-0 win against Rowan Prep.
We came across the toughest opposition in the cup final, a very well drilled Granville team. Unfortunately, this game did not go our way. However, after their superb performance throughout the day, Somerhill picked up second place and the girls will now advance to the National Finals later this year in November.
The girls made exceptional progress throughout the tournament and both Miss Payne and Mr Warne were extremely proud of the skill, passion and determination all the girls showed. Special mention must go to Elodie O’B for a heroic performance as goalkeeper, ensuring she kept her team in multiple games and Juliet B for a commanding performance as team captain. The girls should be very proud of all their accomplishments, and we look forward to the next stage of the competition.
C TEAM TOURNAMENT
Dulwich Prep Cranbrook hosted their annual U10 and U11 C team tournament on Wednesday 27 September. It’s a fabulous event where girls can experience a tournament and play a number of games against a variety of schools in one afternoon. Teams were invited from Kings Canterbury, Holmewood, and Ashford.
Our U11C team managed to hold their first match to a 0-0 draw, lost the second match but won the final 2 matches. This resulted in a joint first place win for the overall tournament, sharing the trophy with Dulwich who had the same number of points. The girls played well learning to move the ball around the opposition and taking any opportunity to create goals. Our defense was strong, protecting the goal well with some excellent saves from the GK.
U10C team were keen and eager from the first whistle of the first game and continued to dominate their matches. They won all their games with some excellent teamwork, taking opportunities to shoot from anywhere in the circle and the GK making impressive saves to keep a clean sheet. Well played all!