For the fourth time in as many years, the College Colts U16 girls’ hockey team has emerged victorious in the County Championships, convincingly beating local rivals Dean Close 2 - 0 in the final. The girls now go on to represent Gloucestershire in the West Finals.

The College team sailed through the first two matches of the tournament, beating King’s Gloucester 3 - 0 in the first game and the High School for Girls, Gloucester 2 - 0 in the second. The final group game, against ultimate finalists Dean Close was a more tense affair, with the College girls losing both possession and territory to their rivals and finishing 0 - 4 down. Fortunately, the earlier wins were strong enough for the team to go through on goal difference, with a semi final against The Cheltenham Ladies’ College firmly in sight. A slick, controlled performance in the semis saw the Ladies’ College defeated 2 - 1, with a key last minute save by Bethan Morris ensuring the win.

Captained by Lydia North, the final against Dean Close saw a fabulous display of passing and movement by the College girls, preventing the rival team from getting a look in throughout the entire game. Some attacking creativity from Gabriella Goff resulted in a timely goal, with Amy Foulkes also firing an impressive backhand shot into the net. The result was a solid 2 – 0 victory for the talented team.

Hockey Coach Mr Jon Pepperman, commented: “The girls fully deserve their win and by far played the best hockey on the day. Their response to a 4 - 0 early loss was particularly impressive; seldom are teams able to show such resolution and determination in the face of defeat. The whole squad should be commended for its teamwork and commitment to each game. We now look forward to the West Finals where victory will mean qualification for the National Finals.”

Gwyn Williams, Head of Hockey at Cheltenham College added: “What makes this result really stand out is that half of the squad are a year young for their category, boding well for next year. We have a strong hockey tradition at College, with 10 girls’ teams and 17 boys’ teams from U14s up to U18s, all led by a dedicated coaching staff as well as an international hockey professional.”