Earlier this week, our 1st XI girls’ hockey team travelled up to Worcester to play Kings Worcester in the last 16 of the Independent Schools Hockey Cup.
Having played and narrowly lost to Kings in the National cup just before Christmas, the girls were eager for some payback.
Despite playing a minimal amount of hockey in 2023, the girls performed brilliantly. The game was very well contested and there were opportunities for both sides. As with the game prior to Christmas, both teams were very evenly matched, and it was clear that the game would require something exceptional to take the tie. Francesca J performed brilliantly and created many chances for the Bryanston side. Following a well worked short corner, the ball fell to Emily J who scored with a superb first time shot.
Frustratingly, Kings were able to score towards the end of the second half, and although the girls continued to battle right to the final whistle, they were unable to score a winning goal. The game therefore headed to penalties.
Head of Hockey James Morris commented: “It was going to take something exceptional to win the game and this came in the form of Esme H. Esme was exceptional throughout the game and in the penalties, she was simply incredible. She saved four of the penalties she faced which allowed Bryanston to win.”
The 1st XI now progresses to the national quarter-final, where they will face Bromsgrove at home.
