U14A Hockey Players Become Regional Champions 18 November 2022
On Tuesday 15 November the U14A girls’ hockey team became regional hockey champions following their success at the England Hockey Tier 2 Regional Tournament.
The team travelled to Redbridge Sports Centre with their coaches Mr Marsh and Miss Brady, where they played five games against Felsted School, Queenswood School, Stamford School, Langley Park School for Girls and King’s Ely. With three wins, one draw and one loss, the girls moved through to the semi-final against Bedford Girl’s School.
Before this game, OBM Miss Brady gave a few words of encouragement about her time in the 1st XI hockey team, which bolstered their confidence. The well-fought game ended 0-0 and went through to penalties, which resulted in a 3-1 win for BMS.
The team went on to compete in the final against Queenswood School in another difficult game. This too went to penalties, and after four penalties each, the score stood at 3-2 to Queenswood School. Year 9 student Bethan saved the opposing team’s fifth penalty, and Alex, also Year 9, scored a fifth BMS penalty, bringing the score to 3-3.
The intense game then went to ‘sudden death’ penalties. Mr Marsh explained: “Alex stepped up again and scored, and then Queenswood School took their stroke…but Bethan saved it and pandemonium ensued as the whole team ran and congratulated her!”
The players have made BMS history as the first team to become regional hockey champions. They will go on to represent the East region at the National Finals, which will take place on Monday 06 February 2023.
Mr Marsh added: “The girls exceeded my expectations and worked incredibly hard as a team. I am so proud of them all and I also wish to thank all of the parents who made our return to BMS a memorable one! Thanks also to all of the BMS hockey coaching staff, particularly Miss Brady, whose encouragement and coaching of the girls on the day undoubtedly helped them to win.”
Mr Sloman, Head of Hockey at BMS, also commented: “This is a well-deserved result for the girls, who have worked incredibly hard all term. I’m sure this is just the start of an enjoyable and successful sporting journey for them all.”