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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
1ST XI HOCKEY
A memorable match during the season was against Arnold. The
team consisted of a bare 11 players and we were all exhausted
from the full day of hockey the previous day at the North West
finals. We put up a brave fight throughout the match, and in
spite of two injuries we managed to keep the score to a narrow
2-3 loss. I am confident with our full 1st XI we would have easily
won and for me, the match was proof of the determination and
capability of the team.
1st XI Hockey Squad
It has been a privilege to be 1st XI hockey captain this year,
particularly as we had such an amazing season. The 1st XI came
in the top 10 teams in England, closely missing out on qualifying
for the National Finals, and I am proud to have played a part in
such a successful team.
The season started off slowly with a 3-0 loss against a strong
Kirkham team, who were consequently our rivals for the rest of
the season. It was a shock and taught us that we needed to learn
from our mistakes in order to fulfil our potential, especially with
the Manchester round of the Nationals Tournament approaching.
We arrived at the Greater Manchester qualifier for the Nationals
and won our box with ease, conceding no goals and scoring a
total of 18. This took us through to the semi final against
Altrincham, a nail-biting match which we won in the last 2
minutes from a short corner strike, providing us with our ticket
to the final. It was a close match against local rivals, Cheadle
Hulme; however, our teamwork provided us with the ability to
win 2-1 and take us through as winners to the North West round
of the tournament.
We continued our winning streak at Timperley in the North West
round as a 1-1 draw against KEQM and a 1-0 win against
Sedbergh meant we were victors of the group. Building on from
our matches earlier in the day, we played confident hockey in
the play off against Saint Mary’s which lead to a strong 4-0 win
and a place in the North finals.
The highlight of the season was without a doubt the North Finals.
We had the opportunity to travel to Leeds the night before
which prepared us well for the day and added to the team spirit.
We got off to a great start with a 5-1 win against Hymers, this
continued with a 1-1 draw against a strong Greenhead team and
an easy 5-0 against Wilmslow High. Unfortunately, we missed
out on a place in the finals, being beaten by penalty strokes.
Despite this disappointment we remained focused with a 6-0 win
against Newcastle Under-Lyme. Our top form continued into the
Greater Manchester Tournament where we proved ourselves yet
again. We were deserved champions beating Cheadle Hulme,
Altrincham, St Bede’s and Withington Girls’ convincingly and the
tournament was a fantastic way to finish our season.
Miss Withington and Nigel did a fantastic job throughout the
season and I would like to thank them for their coaching and
umpiring which gave us the opportunity to develop so much as
a team. I would also like to thank all the supporters who came
to cheer us on at every match whether at school or in Leeds -
your support was greatly appreciated.
Good Luck to the squad next season, we deserved to reach the
National Finals this year and I am certain you will do it next year!
Finally, I would like to thank the team for their effort and
commitment, even when it involved getting to school for 8 a.m.
on Saturdays! It would not have been such an enjoyable season
without such a fantastic team.
Charlotte Bailey (L6)