Mixed XI retain the T1 National Title
Posted by on 10 June 2019
Congratulations to the Mixed XI on retaining the England Hockey Tier 1 Mixed National title for 2018/19 this weekend down at Lee Valley.
With a proven track record in this competition the Mixed XI headed down to Lee Valley for the weekend to defend their National title. Led by Captain Dex the team did not disappoint and cruised to a 9-2 victory in the semi-final vs Oxton HC, with goals for Si (3), Maddy (2), Jonesy, Dom, Emma and Ben.
The final was a closer affair against a determined Southgate team. Claudia opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a fantastic dribble up the pitch from Matti Thomas beating several defenders on his way. Matti's delivery across goal was smartly volleyed in to the net by Claudia, who had missed Saturday's semi-final as she was training with England U16s. Kazzy doubled the lead when she beat two Southgate defenders before rattling the ball past the goakeeper.
In the second half, our guest GK Will Murphy made some impressive saves and our stalwart defensive team of Katie, Anna and Scout showed their grit against some physically powerful attackers running at them full pelt! Back at the other end of the pitch, Hannah launched a ball in to the circle which was smartly finished by Dom to make it 3-0. Southgate rallied in the late stages and did score twice but we managed to hold on for the victory which rounded off the season superbly.
As ever, thanks to our amazing mixed sponsors Stratstone BMW and The Bulls Head Repton, the mixed hockey programme gives many of our younger members the opportunity to play with, and learn from, some of our older, experienced players. One of the most memorable moments this season, other than Dex lifting the National trophy, has to be the Mixed XI win against Banbury HC with a team which included three of our U14 girls who stepped up to play alongside GB star Ellie Watton!
