The Lower III Hockey team had been training hard in preparation for the U11 In2Hockey Berkshire Tournament. This was more than evident in the group stages where we met a strong Crosfields first. We defended well against a very attacking team and looked to catch them on the counter attack. In the short format games both teams played well to finish goalless at the end of the first game. In the second match all the training that the girls had put in came together and they were able to pass it around with confidence and the team started to score freely, putting 6 past the Hawkedon Goalkeeper. The final match of the group stages pitted us against a very strong Wellington Prep school and despite a strong defensive effort we couldn’t hold them out. With one win, one draw and one loss we narrowly missed out due to goal difference on progressing through to the cup. We started the afternoon in the plate competition with optimism and despite some strong team performances we couldn’t find our way past the opposition goalkeepers and with a goalless draw against The Dolphin and two narrow losses we were sadly knocked out of the group stages of the plate. Despite the disappointment, the girls have made huge progress with their hockey skills and are now a far more cohesive team. The tournament proved to be a very positive experience for all pupils involved.