Congratulations to our U13 girls’ hockey squad that has once again lifted the National Champions trophy – this time as National School U13 Champions. The victory was the culmination of three years of squad success; in 2008 the girls were crowned U11 mini hockey National Champions, in 2009 they were crowned U12 IAPS National Champions and now U13 National Champions.

The Nationals, held in Nottingham, saw the top regional teams from all over the country compete for the title. The Cheltenham girls started off strongly with a hard fought 1-0 win over Junior Kings, Canterbury.Then some magnificent defensive hockey and a flurry of goals from captain Flora Peel, Jamie Chadwick and Georgie Gardner saw the girls comfortably win their next three matches, resulting in the squad topping their group.

The semi final, against fellow unbeaten group winners St.George’s College Junior Schools, Weybridge proved a close knit affair. However some fantastic linking play and another winning goal shot from Flora ensured a 2-1 win.

The final match of the whole competition saw Cheltenham play The Coopers Company and Coborn school from London. Cheltenham went 2-0 up with Flora once again scoring both goals, but with tiredness creeping in, the London opponents seized their chance to come back into the game. With the score levelled at 2-2, the Cheltenham girls dug deep to ensure a solid defence until the whistle. A final score of 2-2, combined with the side’s higher goal tally in the group meant the Cheltenham squad deservedly claimed the title of National School U13 Champions.

To top off the victory, Captain Flora Peel was voted Player of the Tournament.

Gwyn Williams, Head of Hockey at Cheltenham College commented: "This is a marvellous achievement for all the girls involved and I hope they will remember this day for a while to come. Each and every one gave her all to the tournament and the hockey played was of excellent standard. My congratulations to them all and my thanks to all the coaches and parents for their support throughout the season.”

Well done to everyone!

Group photos: 

Left to right. Back row: Katherine Pennels, Julie Quade, Bethan Morris, Franny Ball, Darcey Edwards, Georgie Gardner Front row: Jamie Chadwick, Izzy Fowler, Flora Peel (Capt), Claudia O'Riordan, Antonia Stuckey