Strong Start to Season for Girls Hockey

Oakham School girls’ hockey teams from 1^st XI to U11 have enjoyed a strong start to the season, playing in nearly 100 matches and scoring 262 goals.

The 1^st XI girls, who were unbeaten in their South Africa tour and in their pre-season training against Oundle and Uppingham, have put in some strong performances in their Tier 1 National Cup games so far. Notable matches include a convincing 4-0 win against Denstone at home and a narrow loss in a well-contested away game against Repton.

Katie Long, 1^st XI girls coach, said: “The senior girls gained some invaluable match experience in their South Africa tour and pre-season training, which has contributed to their flying start to the term. I look forward to seeing how they progress in the next half of term, as they continue with their outdoor cup matches and kick off their indoor campaign.”

The 2^nd XI girls have put in some good performances overall in Tier 2. They beat Stamford’s 1^st XI winning on penalty shuffles and gained good match experience in their fixture against Oundle. After half-term they face Uppingham’s 1^st XI, which will be great experience for them.

The U16As have enjoyed a fantastic unbeaten start to their season, winning 6 of their matches and earning a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Repton.

Lower School girls have played in several matches – some for the very first time – and participated in two tournaments at U13 and U11 levels, held at Oakham School. In the U13 tournament the girls came second, beating some strong opposition, including Witham Hall, along the way.

A number of girls are also gaining invaluable experience playing external hockey for national league side Leicester City Hockey Club and Beeston Junior Hockey.