Issue 2 Winter 2008 (6.3 MB) - Blundell's School

B LUNDELL’ SGirls HockeySTILL REIGNING SUPREME IN D EVON!Photograph courtesy of Russell BennettThe girls 1st Team - continued their yearly domination of the U18 DevonChampionships, both Indoor and Outdoor. For the sixth consecutive year Mrs K’s girlsproved to the rest of Devon that in the outdoor tournament, they are the team to beatand that it is just the way we like it! The Indoor Squad only slipped up in 2004, whenthey begrudgingly let someone else hold the trophy for a year.The 2007 team, led by the ever-competitive Jo Mardell, won all theirgames barring one (losing only to the mightily impressive Millfieldside that glittered with Internationals). The other schools will begrateful that West of England player Grace Gabbitass unluckilymissed the whole season, as did Sophie Anderson, otherwise theirpain could have been even greater. Without Grace, the squad lackedan out and out goal scorer, so the team work ethic was absolutelyvital to their success. In attack Lizzie Wessely began to make theCaptain Jo Mardellmost of her not inconsiderable talents by showing a moreconsistent work rate, no doubt following the example of the indefatigable LouiseYoungman and Bobby Frankpitt. At the other end Rosie Le Page had a superb seasonin goal, with the back line of Hatty Hosegood, Bess Meneheneott, Becky Blackmore,Nat Waddington and Jess Horne developing a positive, determined and very wellorganised defensive system. The two new German players (Alena Schultheiss andKimi Hedtke) brought a different style of play and were impressive with their closeskills ability - they even got used to the fitness regime!As ever, Mrs K, ran a squad system with several younger players gaining invaluableexperience. Whilst further down the school, both the U14s and U15s had verypromising seasons, which augurs well for the future. The Blundell’s girls are obviouslykeen to continue being Devon’s leading hockey school for years to come.“The Blundell’sgirls are obviouslykeen to continuebeing Devon’sleading hockeyschool for years tocome.”Above: Alena SchultheissBelow: Becky, Bobby & Jo - the U6 stalwartsIt seems apposite at this time to make mention of Mrs K’s unbelievable record as 1stteam coach at Blundell’s. Since 2002 the 1st Team have played 54 fixtures against thevery best that the Westcountry has to offer, including Millfield, Canford, Clifton,Marlborough and Taunton and they have only been beaten 5 times!! Even Sir AlexFerguson couldn’t match that record!U18 GIRLS HOCKEY 2002 - 2007Played 54 Won 42 Drawn 7 Lost 529