U11s Secure Bronze in Thrilling IAPS Tournament

The Churcher's College Junior U11 hockey team delivered a performance brimming with grit, determination, and teamwork at the prestigious Independent Association of Prep Schools IAPS U11 hockey event, hosted by Wellington College. Competing for just two coveted spots at the national competition, and with an added buzz from the presence of HRH The Princess Of Wales and Princess Charlotte, the 16 schools battled it out in a highly competitive environment.

Group Stage Success

Churcher's were drawn in a tough group against Wellington College, Castle Court, and local rivals, Amesbury.

The day started with a slow-burn match against a strong Amesbury side. The deadlock was finally broken by a decisive breakaway goal, securing a vital 1-0 win and lifting the team's spirits.

Next up, the girls faced Wellington. The defensive players worked well together, providing the platform for an excellent attacking display from the midfield trio and the ever dangerous players upfront. One player even scored what was described as the 'goal of the tournament.' Despite a late mix-up allowing Wellington to pull one back, the 1-1 draw left everything to play for.

The final group match against Castle Court proved a tougher challenge. Even with some heroics from the Churcher's goalkeeper, the team ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Despite the loss, the results were enough to send Churcher's through to the Cup competition in second place.

Knockout Challenges & Heroics

The first knockout round pitted Churcher's against a very strong group-winning Twickenham side. In a dominant performance, Churcher's controlled the match with a defensive masterclass, with the score finishing 0-0, leading to a nail-biting penalty shuffle showdown. Players dispatched their shuffles with absolute confidence, while our goalkeeper truly dominated the D, saving two of Twickenham's efforts and sending Churcher's into the semi-finals.

The semi-final saw Churcher's take on the incredibly impressive Surbiton, who went on to become the eventual tournament champions. Surbiton won the match, placing Churcher's in the 3rd/4th play-off against Castle Court, a chance to avenge their earlier defeat.

Bronze Medal Success

The bronze medal match was a hard-fought affair, which Churcher's again dominated in general play. Once more, the match ended 0-0 with every single bit of energy the girls had left out on the field. The match was to be decided by penalty shuffles. One player successfully converted for Churcher's, leaving the result down to the ever-dedicated goalkeeper. In a truly memorable performance, she kept everything out, securing the victory and the bronze medal for Churcher's College Junior School.

A massive congratulations goes to the whole team - including the nine players who represent Haslemere Hockey - for their resilience and teamwork, embodying the 'never say die' attitude that characterises the team. It was a tournament to remember!