U16 Girls’ Hockey National Finals Preview
The Oakham hockey squad are now just two games away from lifting the trophy and claiming their place in the School’s history books. The girls are hoping to repeat the success of the 1st XV Boys’ Rugby team who won the National Schools Cup at Twickenham in March last year.
The U16 team defeated Clifton College 4-0 at home in their Quarter-Final match and now face Epsom College in the Semi-Final on Wednesday 6 March at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. If they secure a win in this match, they will proceed to the Final on Thursday 7 March.
Oakham’s U16 team have so far enjoyed an unbeaten season, with only 1 draw against Repton School out of the 13 games they have played. Particular highlights have included their Quarter-Final win and a hard-fought 3-0 victory against Surbiton High School away in the last 16.
Assistant Director of Hockey, Alex Cooper, said: “I am extremely proud of the girls’ achievement, and they fully deserve to reach the National Finals.
“The team’s work ethic is second to none and I put the girls’ success down to their hard work and how committed they are as a team.”
All-Round Excellence
The team’s strengths don’t just lie in hockey; the girls contribute to all aspects of Oakham School life – academic, music, and other sports. Six members of the squad will also be representing the School at the netball National Finals on 16 and 17 March; Sammy, Olivia, Betsy, Millie and Claudia are in the U16 team and Issy N will be playing in the U19 team.
Sammy also plays for Leicester FC, representing the U12 and junior age groups, while Alexa, Bibi, Libby, Izzy and Jess play club hockey for Beeston Hockey Club.
The U16 team is led by Fifth Former Grace, who as well as having captained the hockey A team since Form 1, plays the trumpet and sings in the School Choir. Grace said: “I love the whole atmosphere of the team and the support we are receiving as we progress through this competition.”
As an All-Rounder Scholar, Grace is used to balancing her many commitments and is taking the addition of a National Cup Final into her schedule in her stride. Grace said: “There is a lot going on, but I do enjoy it.”
Lucky Purple
As well as their fantastic team spirit, the girls could perhaps credit their success so far to an unusual item of clothing: purple socks. They had a kit clash in their first cup match against Westbourne School, so Alex Cooper had to quickly find an alternative to the School’s trademark red and black socks. He came upon a stash of purple socks in a cupboard in the Sports Department, the girls put them on, won their game 9-0, and have worn them to every subsequent game.
A crowd of supporters will be travelling down to London to support the team in their Semi-Final on Wednesday 6 March, with more people signed up to travel down to London on Thursday 7 March if the girls take it one step further. One person who will be watching the action very closely is Director of Hockey, Neil Evans: “The girls are a fantastic advert for the School and we are all extremely proud of them.”
