Third Place in the National Finals for the Hockey 1st XI

Wellington’s girls’ 1st XI made the trip to Lee Valley – London’s 2012 hockey venue – last Wednesday to compete in the national finals over two days. An unseasonably tropical afternoon saw a strong Repton side (who would go on to beat Millfield for the title) pull ahead early, and the relentless pace kept our inroads at bay. Despite a penalty stroke well-taken by Darcy Bourne (L6th, C) and a hooter-beating strike from Kitty Baccanello (L6th, A), a 2-4 reverse saw Wellington into the bronze medal match.

A return to more seasonal February weather on Thursday set the tone for a brisk pace in the play-off. A fast start from Wellington saw Issie Thorneycroft (L6th, C) slot home the game’s first goal from a penalty corner in the third minute. Rosie Freeman (U6th, A) finished neatly in open play to double the lead at half time, and Freya Cheer’s (U6th, A) 63rd minute poach put the result beyond doubt. Third place and a set of bronze medals are just rewards for a season of hard work, and particular congratulations must go to the eight Upper Sixth leavers, who leave Wellington on a hockeying high.