REPTON'S NATIONAL HOCKEY CHAMPIONS
It was a double victory for Repton School in the Schools National Hockey Championships with both the U18 Girls’ and Boys’ teams crowned National Champions in the finals hosted at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Competing in the semi-finals, the U18 boys had a tense match against Whitgift. A 3-3 draw at full time led to a penalty shootout, with goals from Tyler K and Harry S and an exceptional performance from keeper Lorenz F, the team secured their place in the final against Kingston Grammar.
In the final, Repton took the lead in the 15th minute thanks to James G’s penalty corner, and then again in the 46th minute with another on target corner; James’ third goal in two games. It was fantastic to see the U18 boys lift the coveted trophy whilst displaying great maturity in consoling their opponents.
The accomplished side was expertly led by coach Neville Rothman, who congratulated their efforts: “The team showed heaps of character to comeback from behind in their semi-final against a well organised Whitgift team, eventually winning on shuffles. It was very pleasing to see the boys carry their momentum into the final to end their season in the best way possible.”
In the girls’ competition, the U18s faced a strong Dean Close side in the finals after securing a 4-1 win over Millfield in the semi-finals. With two goals from Miranda J and the combined skills and determination of the whole team, the 1st XI retained their national champion title, ensuring a clean sweep for Repton School hockey and adding to their Super 6s indoor title from earlier this season. The U18 teams joined Repton’s U16 girls who were also triumphant in their national finals in early March.
Fresh from their success in the schools’ championships, three members of the Girls’ 1st XI squad, Claudia, Bronte and Tilly, are now in South Africa with England U21s for the Junior World Cup.
All pupils at Repton receive regular hockey training from our experienced coaches, ensuring a real strength and depth throughout the teams. The most talented players can opt for coaching across all three terms with a balanced approach to sport and academia, meaning that pupils never have to compromise their love for sport over their academic studies.