NATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY FINALS

During the weekend of the 14 January, a team of strongly determined and very excited JAGS girls took part in the National Indoor Hockey tournament.  We had had a very successful lead up to the national finals, winning the Surrey tournament and coming a close 3rd in the South tournament, giving us the confidence needed and very positive attitudes towards the tough matches that faced us in the finals.  Motivated and excellently trained by our coaches, Miss Johnson and Miss Murray, we lined up for the first push back, against Coopers School.  We fought hard and played with a very strong team spirit, but unfortunately lost 3-0.  However, this didn't discourage us and we were even more determined for our next match, against Bablake, which proved to be a tense and nail biting match as we entered the last minute at 1-1, with Becky Stormer scoring our goal.  Unfortunately, however, in the last seconds, Bablake managed to score an impressive goal, giving them the victory.

Still happy with the experience the tournament was providing us with, and our strong team bond, we entered our final two matches with our heads held high and with determination.  Liv Whiteford scored an impressive short corner, flicking the ball into the top left corner of the net against our rivals from the south; Sir William Borlase.  However, Borlase seemed to have the upper hand, and narrowly defeated us.  Our final match was played with enthusiasm, as we were hugely supported by the crowd of spectators, who produced a roar of cheers which filled the stadium, as Johanna Mandal scored for us.  Georgia Newman, who was in goal, greatly aided the team's success by producing some incredible saves.  As a team, we played outstandingly, and it has been an amazing experience to get so far in the tournament.

Annabel Norris, Captain of the U16 Squad