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| 13 Sep 2024 | |
| Written by Matthew Copping | |
| Sport & Co-curricular |
On Thursday 12th September our 1st XI Girls hockey squad travelled to St Edmund's School in Canterbury to take part in the Mel Clewlow Cup, which is a tournament consisting of 10 of the best hockey schools in the county, including Sevenoaks, Sutton Valence and St Lawrence.
Cranbrook started their first group match against Colfe's on the front foot, dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities to open the scoring through Rosie, Mae and Nel. Unfortunately, they couldn't break the dead lock and the match ended in a draw. In their next group match, Cranbrook turned on the style, comfortably winning 3-0 against Langley Park by playing some fast flowing, expansive hockey. Sevenoaks's were also well beaten in the next game - the 1-0 scoreline not reflecting how dominant the Cranbrook team were. Knowing they had already qualified for the semi finals, the last group match against St Edmund's became a battle of attrition and despite going 1-0 up, Cranbrook fell behind to two sloppy goals, eventually losing 2-1.
Not to be down hearted, the team raised their game in the semi final against a very strong St Lawrence side, boasting several overseas players. In a cagey affair, Cranbrook fought hard and created several chances in front of goal, converting one of them to go 1-0 up. As St Lawrence pushed for an equaliser, the defensive unit held firm, including defending several penalty corners heroically by Izzy and Katie in goal, and Cranbrook made it through to the final.
The final against Ashford was a very close match, and with tiring legs and bruised bodies, Cranbrook found themselves under pressure right from the off. Again they defended solidly as a unit with Molly and Kalya dictating the play and they opened the scoring through Lily with a fast counter attacking move to go 1-0 up. Ashford responded to going a goal behind and created several chances to equalise but found Katie, once again resolute in goal. Cranbrook held out for the win on a fantastic day of hockey! A brilliant effort.
Team list
A fantastic achievement by the whole team! Well done to everyone involved!
Matt Copping
Head of Hockey
