On Tuesday 16 October the U11A team travelled to Tonbridge School to take part in the annual IAPS competition. This year there were thirteen qualifying rounds in the U11 competition making it the biggest and most competitive year as only the top two teams qualify for Nationals.
In the group stages the girls showed their flare and determination to win 3-0 against Bedes Prep, 1-0 against Wimbledon High Junior, 1-0 against Ashfrod Prep and 1-0 against Swanbourne House. The last two games in the group stages were against our two strongest competitors. After an early goal against us, the girls worked hard to move the ball up the pitch to create goal scoring opportunities. The girls were unfortunate not to score and lost 1-0 to Hoe Bridge. Their final group match was against Junior Kings and this was a fast paced, highly competitive game with the final score staying at 0-0. With these results Danes Hill finished in second in their group which meant that they progressed to the knock out cup.
In the quarter finals the girls played St Andrews. After a well-deserved break the girls came out fighting and secured a 1-0 victory to see them go through to the semi-finals to play Hazelwood. Having played them in previous tournaments the girls knew that this was going to be a tight game. The girls played valiantly but were unable to score and lost 2-0.
This meant that the girls were playing for 3rd and 4th place against our rivals Hoe Bridge. Having lost to them in the group stages the girls were determined not to let this happen again. They came out fighting and worked together to score a spectacular goal. The girls showed composure by keeping possession of the ball and working together as a team until the final whistle blew.
The girls were a real credit to the school throughout the tournament and should be proud of their achievements on this day. Well done on a great days hockey!
