This week, King’s Ely’s U14 girls won the Cambridgeshire round of the National Schools Hockey Championship.
King’s Ely hosted the event this year, welcoming local schools to the annual Festival of Hockey. King’s Ely started its campaign by winning comfortably against the Perse, which gave the girls huge confidence for the other group matches. They drew against Kimbolton, narrowly missing out on a win, when Kimbolton claimed a last minute goal, before recovering well to beat Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough to reach the semi-final.
They then successfully overcame JFA Newport in outstanding fashion to reach the final against the Perse, who had defeated the Leys in an epic semi-final. Despite the driving rain, King’s Ely played some inspiring hockey to win the final 3-0, and were crowned champions of the region.
Star of the tournament was Rebecca Daniel who scored eight out of the ten goals achieved by King’s Ely throughout the competition.
Head of Hockey, Chanre Bond, commented, “We have such a talented group of girls who have worked tirelessly to improve their skills throughout the season. They certainly enjoy their hockey and have an infectious desire to succeed. To become county champions is just fantastic, and something they can be extremely proud of!’’
This achievement projects King’s Ely onto the regional stage, where they will have the chance to represent King’s Ely against schools from all parts of the region.
Head of King’s Ely Senior, Alex McGrath, commented, “This result confirms the outstanding work of our Games department, who coach throughout the school from Reception through to 6th form. This U-14 year group of girls have gelled excellently as a team around some talented individuals, and to win the final in such emphatic fashion bodes well for the future of King’s Ely hockey, and King’s Ely sport in general.”
King’s Ely now goes on to the Regionals at Bedford HC in November.