U14 Girls:
The U14 girls’ hockey team have had a fantastic season of development since moving to the 11-a-side format. The team saw seven new players come in, and the team have all gelled and become a cohesive unit. The season started strongly with an away draw against Rugby School followed by wins against Kimbolton and beating local rivals Uppingham twice. The biggest success story of the season, however, is the team’s run in the U14 National Tier 1 Cup. Having beaten both The Perse (On sudden death shuffles) and The Leys at home, the team are now in the last 16 of the competition and are two results away from a National semi-final.
All in all the team have made huge amounts of progress collectively and individually.
– Director of Hockey Neil Evans
U16s
The U16 girls are awaiting their last 16 draw as they finished second in their Tier 1 league, tied with Repton on 10 points apiece. Alongside the cup, the U16s are unbeaten so far this season playing 11, winning 10 and drawing 1, whilst only conceding 4 goals all season.
The U16’s indoor season was also a successful one, making it to the Midlands Final, sadly losing out to Repton 4-2. With only one team advancing to the National Finals that was the end of the road for this year’s indoor team.
A big shout out to all of the girls across the teams this year; they’ve worked tirelessly all term!
– Alex Cooper, Assistant Director of Hockey
1st XI
Coach of the 1st XI, Katie Long, speaks on their season.
“The 1st XI have had a remarkable run of form so far this season. Their unbeaten tour to South Africa in July set them up well for the season ahead, giving an excellent foundation to build on.”
“A nervy start to the season on a scorching Saturday in September saw the girls overcome their first hurdle against Rugby School. Going a goal down in the first half, the girls momentarily thought their hard work in pre-season had not paid off; but their determination, resilience and persistence to not give in saw them turn the game into a 2-1 victory, and they haven’t looked back since.”
“The Tier 1 National Cup competition has seen some long away games. The girls have embraced the bus journeys and enjoyed testing themselves against the best schools in the North, whilst bonding well and enjoying documenting their memorable experiences with many a video and photo. Blackpool and Scarborough were the seaside towns on this year’s visits, both proving fruitful for the squad.”
“A close encounter away at Repton saw the girls push the reigning National Champions hard in a well-contested game. The girls lost out 2-1 but put in a performance to be incredibly proud of and one that will stay long in the memories of those involved.”
“The Oakham 1st XI have dominated their Saturday block fixtures, remaining unbeaten throughout with 21 girls representing the squad over the term.”
“The indoor season was short and sweet and again a year to be so proud of for the squad. After qualifying for the Midlands Finals, Oakham showed huge progress over the 2 tournament days. Topping the pool, Oakham faced Rugby School who had pushed them in their outdoor fixture earlier in the season. Oakham dispatched them convincingly playing some superb hockey to set up a final against the reigning indoor National Champions Repton, who ran out eventual winners to progress to the National Finals. Silver medals for the Oakham girls showed not only their excellent improvement from last year but what a force they are to be reckoned with against the region’s best.”
“At the time of writing there are two more Tier 1 Cup games to play. Oakham have every chance of progressing through to the National knock-out stages, as a number of schools battle it out for a top 2 finish which will come down to the wire.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure to coach these determined and talented young women not only this year but in seasons gone by. We say goodbye and thank you to a large contingent of Form 7 leavers. They have certainly left their mark on hockey at Oakham; and as some famous rugby team once alluded to, many of our leavers have most certainly left their jersey in a better place.”
“Thank you for your energy, enthusiasm and endless humour girls, it’s been an absolute blast!”
