Hockey season grand finale at Lee Valley

The Hockey season came to a dramatic close at Lee Valley in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with our Mini Colts and 1st XI playing in the National Finals. Both sides put in some excellent performances with many of the games settled by only the finest of margins, and the boys showed great spirit and skill throughout.

Reigning West Champions, Mini Colts A came up against tough competition from St George's and The Perse in their first two games and unfortunately did not qualify for the final. The players were determined to put on a good show in their final game against Bromsgrove and they did not disappoint. Master in Charge, Jeremy Wadham reviews the action below:

"In the final game at Lee Valley the Mini Colt's dominated throughout, with at least 70% territory and possession, with Charlie Collinge’s marauding runs in the midfield causing Bromsgrove numerous headaches and Tom Ewart Smith attacking from deep.  Despite this, it was the opposition who went ahead with a solo counter-attacking strike just inside the far post.  With Oscar Maclay on fine form in goal, it was going to need something of quality to beat him.  Sherborne remained confident and hit back shortly after the break with a reverse stick shot from Arthur Green.  Although the winner looked inevitable, with George Duignan finding space down the right and numerous penalty corners won, the Bromsgrove defence held firm and Sherborne had to satisfy themselves with a draw.

So ended a hugely successful season with this team winning much recognition both within and beyond the School.  I’m sure their visit to Lee Valley will last long in the memory, as will that epic day when they became West champions.  The difference in standard in individual performances and particularly team performances since that first game against Bristol Grammar is quite remarkable.  This is down to the drive and ambition of the players, meaning that the coaches simply needed to provide gently guidance.  Much credit for this must go to the captain, Charlie Collinge, for demanding high standards from his players, whilst fostering camaraderie and a positive attitude within the squad."

Jeremy Wadham
Master in Charge

Meanwhile the 1st XI had a fantastic championship and although the result also didn't go our way, the boys were outstanding, displayed great attitude and were highly competitive. The semi-final National Plate was particularly poignant for our departing Upper Sixth Form players and our very own Director of Hockey, Mr Roberts who comments on their performance below:

"The 1st XI woke at 6.45 a.m. for an early breakfast and soon departed to Lee Valley for their 3rd/4th play off against Worksop College. An intense warm-up, followed by the pre-match hand shakes with the opposition, the game finally got under way. Both sides battled hard and you could sense this was going to be a very feisty encounter. Worksop went into a 2-0 lead with a well executed goal midway through the first half. Sherborne dominated the second half with intense, high tempo hockey and were incredibly unlucky on numerous occasions. Worksop had very few opportunities in the second half, but when they did, they scored. Final score 3-0.

This was the final Hockey game for Sherborne's current 1st XI:  Barney Humphrey, Peter Folkes, Tom Perkins, Tom Pope, Sid Gray, George Sutton, Paddy Kerr and Ben Rainbow and for me, my final game in charge of a fantastic, committed and totally cohesive squad of brilliant Hockey players. For the boys to end their final year playing at a National Schools Finals it is a fitting end. For the Lower Sixth boys - they get another chance!"

Mr Roberts
Director of Hockey