Kirkby Stephen Grammar School’s under-18 hockey team capped an outstanding year by taking bronze at the national hockey finals.
The team’s journey to the nationals started back in September when they took the Cumbria county title.
Their next port of call was Lancaster University to play in the North West regional finals against teams from the Isle of Man, Liverpool and Wilmslow.
The team won this round convincingly, scoring 10 goals and only conceding three to secure three wins.
This newly formed team was made up of a blend of experienced players and young talent. They came form years 10 and 11 and the 6th form, with the majority playing adult hockey for Kirkby Stephen Hockey Club.
The team left KSGS at 5-30am on Monday to travel to the England Hockey Centre at Nottingham, keen to participate in the national finals.
After a long journey, the team took to the pitch facing a team from the South Central region, Reading Blue Coats.
After many shots at goal, the Kirkby team broke through to win 1-0, which helped to settle any nerves. In the next game they faced Shrewsbury, from the Midlands, and won 2-0 with some great finishes from Martha Bainbridge.
Going into the final group game against the East region’s Bishop’s Stortford, the team got a hard-fought draw against a very well drilled squad. Although finishing joint top of their pool, the team found themselves missing out on playing in the final on goal difference, by one goal.
They had started with no expectations but were really disappointed to lose out in this way. However, they managed to lift themselves for the bronze medal game against the South East team, Caterham.
This match saw the girls get a second wind and play their best hockey. Playing more expansively, they achieved a 3-2 victory to take the bronze medal. Martha Bainbridge scored two goals and Tilly Rose one. Martha was also the top goal scorer of the tournament.
Helen Paul, the school’s head of PE, said: “I am so proud of the whole team, with special mention to the four 6th form players, Tilly Rose, Martha Bainbridge and Jessica Sansom for being great role models for the younger players and Erin Treece for being an outstanding captain throughout the tournament.
“Also having travelling family and friends helped to boost the players during the tight matches.
“For such a small school their achievements have blown my mind. They have played 13 matches, winning 12 and drawing one for the season.
“On the day KSGS had the smallest and youngest squad registered to participate and were also the only state school in the competition.
“Well done to everyone involved, making memories that myself and all the players will never forget.”
