Repton Hockey Club Claim Their Fourth National Title in 2018

Our Mixed XI became National Mixed Champions at the Lee Valley Olympic Park this weekend to cap an outstanding season for the club!

After gaining success in the associated Plate Competition in 2017, Repton’s squad, comprising eight players of each gender, upgraded to win the silverware in the Championship this time around.

The team faced City Of Peterborough in the National Semi-Final on Saturday in glorious sunshine which possibly benefited the youthful Repton team more than their more experienced opponents. The eight girls in the Repton squad ranged from 14 to 19 and their energy, high levels of fitness and quality on the ball was the difference between the two sides.  

Simon Claris opening the scoring on 12 minutes with a fine penalty corner conversion before Hannah Davey doubled the lead ten minutes later. Simon converted a penalty stroke before half-time to give Repton breathing space.  Jonesy added a goal before Simon sealed his hat-trick.  Repton's sixth and final goal was a highlight - Joe Sharp found Claudia Swain with an inch perfect pass before fourteen-year old Claudia confidently rounded the Peterborough GK to complete the scoring in a 6-1 victory.  

Another Midlands team, Khalsa from Leamington Spa, who were runners-up in this competition last season were to be the opponents in Sunday’s Final.  The Mixed XI made the best of starts with three first half goals in the first thirteen minutes of the game; Hannah, Simon and Claudia all converted in a blistering start.   Whilst the team made the most of their limited first-half chances, Dan Darby was equal to anything Khalsa put towards the Repton goal. Two further set piece goals from Simon were followed up by Mimi Tarrant, who rounded off the scoring with a deflection from a penalty comer late in the game. Khalsa created more chances in the second half as the game opened up but the Repton defence marshalled by Captain David Exley and supported by Anna Stone and Katie Squires held firm.  With the heat taking its toll, Repton had to withstand a late resurgence from Khalsa but they failed to find a way past Dan Darby.  On the one occasion, Khalsa beat Dan, Simon was on hand to make a sensational goal-line clearance to preserve Repton’s clean sheet.  The resounding 6-0 scoreline saw Repton as worthy National Champions in only their second year as a club.

Head Coach Martin Jones commented:  "This was a wonderful way for the Club to round off their second season.  To have a team, with an age-range of almost 25 years, playing such a controlled and dominant style of hockey is a testament to the good work being done by so many across the whole Club. We are also very grateful to Stratstone BMW and Bulls Head Repton for their support of this team."