The Under 18s completed their hockey programme with a seriously competitive ‘friendly’ fixture against Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School.  The opposition were a strong side who had previously done well in national competitions so the girls knew that they would have to play well.

For the nine Upper VI girls this was the completion of their School Hockey programme that has seen them claim three consecutive runners-up spots at the County Championships, two Regional Runners-Up and a third-place finish.

In a spirited start to the game, The Abbey dominated possession and pressed hard to limit their opponents’ counterattacks.  The team created some great opportunities with Chloe and Maddie H working hard in midfield and Martha and Juliette overlapping to access space behind the opponent’s defence.  However, despite the good play from The Abbey team, Borlase took the lead against the run of play.  The team did not let their disappointment overcome them and continued to push forward and following great approach play from Ava and Alex, Emma scored the equaliser.

The Abbey’s strong aggressive play continued into the second half, with Poppy, Rosie and Louisa combining to break up opponents attacks high-up the pitch, young Emily and Maddie M using their pace to stretch the Borlase defence, and Chloe (in goal) making some fine clearances.  However, despite some good attacking moves that tested the opposition goalkeeper, Borlase scored from a short corner.  The team pushed hard for the equaliser in the few remaining, winning a succession of short corners in the final minutes, but were unable to make the breakthrough that would have prevented defeat.

Younger sisters Charlotte and Emily joined their siblings on the pitch during this game.

The team can be very proud of their performance in this game, whilst their record in the past three seasons is impressive and something that they can remember with satisfaction.