Superb Hockey Season

The girls' hockey squads had a stellar season last term. As we approach the Spring Term and embrace a new season of sport, the following report will inspire many to take to the courts, pitches, and XC courses and to aim to do their best. 

By Captain of Girls' Hockey, Grace Turberville Smith 

The season did not get off to the greatest start for the 1st XI with a 17-1 loss to Repton. HOWEVER, we put that defeat behind us, and moved on to having the best season the Uppingham 1st XI girls' team have ever had.  We finished second in the league, behind Repton.

The team continually improved throughout the season, with credit to Mr Baker (Director of Hockey). We tightened up the defence, with Georgina Dalby and Sophie Burnett proving solid in the back, and started to take our chances up front, with goals scored from at least eight different people over the course of the season. In our last 10 games we scored 59 goals and only conceded 17, securing nine wins and one draw in the process. Amongst the schools we beat were Rugby, Trent, Stowe and Oakham.

We had a number of new faces in the team this year, with players from three year groups. Lucy Butterworth and Zuha Animashaun brought their young spirit to the team. Lucy showed composure over the ball under pressure and was one of our top goal scorers, while Zuha made some exceptional saves in goal. Both I’m sure will help the School achieve success in the next two years. A special mention must also go to Sophie Tiefenbacher who has been a true team player throughout the season, setting up many goals as well as drag flicking some great penalty corners herself.  

But the highlight of the season was in the final week of term; we beat Oakham twice in four days, something which has not been done in the last 12 years. Despite us being tired from beating Stamford the day before and having only one-sub due to injuries, everyone stood up and played to the best of their abilities. Having been 2-1 down at half time, we then went on to beat Oakham 5-3. In lots of cases the goal scorers often get given a special mention, but this win was based on an outstanding team effort from all 12 players.

A huge thank you must go to Mr Baker and Mrs Maloney-Smith for all their coaching and support over the season, and Mr De Wet who umpired many of our games. I also thank all of the girls for their tremendous work ethic and positivity throughout the whole term. I have been very proud to be Captain and it has been an honour to play with you all.

There was also a lot of success in hockey throughout the other years. The 2nd XI won 9 matches and made it to the Regional Finals where they finished 2nd.

The U16As (below) had a seven-game unbeaten run and are into the next round of the National U16 Cup.  Their attitude and spirit has been fantastic; they have worked well as a team and there have been some stand-out performances.

The U14As have also excelled, scoring 38 goals in 9 matches with significant wins against Bromsgrove, Rugby and Oundle. They are an exciting prospect for the future.  

Commendation Assembly

At the end of term Commendation Assembly, Commendations were awarded to: -

• 1st XI: Eleanor Acworth, Lucy Ewbank, Grace Gregory, Sophie Sporborg, Sophie Tiefenbacher, Suzanna vanTuyll van Serooskerken
• 2nd XI: Anna Horwich, Emily Parkes, Lily Simpson
• U16A Team: Ellie Buttery, Olivia Clarke, Matilda Luscombe, Neve Walker
• U15A Team: Georgia Blackman, Antonia Dilkes, Kate Ewbank, Jemma Jackson, Ollie May
• U14A Team: Natasha Lewis, Georgina Luckin, Isabella Wakeford, Katie Wraith
• And 1st XI sports colours were awarded to Sophie Burnett, Georgina Dalby and Zara Jackson.