Girls Hockey: U14S Perform Heroics To Finish Runners-Up In The National Finals

The girls were in a tough pool but opened with a 2-0 victory over Alun School, Mold, thanks to goals from Jess Facey and Lenka Halpin.

They followed this up with a hard fought 0-0 draw against reigning champs Bishopston in an end to end match that provided few chances. A match against Brynteg followed and despite falling behind, the Christ College girls came out on top 2-1, thanks to goals from Lenka Halpin and Libby Mapps.

This meant Christ College topped their pool and went into a semi final clash with Ysgol Glantaf full of confidence. A tight match ensued but the deadlock was broken with 2 mins to go, Libby Mapps scoring a wonder goal, which enabled Christ College to win the tie 1-0, and confirming their place in the National final.

The final saw a repeat of the pool match between Christ College and Bishopston. The Brecon girls started well, with Emma Leute goal grabbing an early goal to send the U14s into a 1-0 lead. Christ College led at the half-time break and maintained the lead well into the second half but Bishopston are made of stern stuff however, equalising with just 6 minutes left on the clock. The final ended 1-1, which meant the tournament was to be decided on a penalty shoot-out. Bishopston ultimately prevailed winning the shoot-out 3-1 and retained their title. However, Christ College had given the reigning champions the sternest of challenges and they were inseparable during open play.

A runners up medal for the U14s is an excellent result. With that result Christ College became the first school in the modern era to have all 3 girls’ age groups, U18s, U16s and U14s, placed at the National Finals … and that is an outstanding achievement!

Many congratulations to all.