School hockey aces are waving their sticks in the air after securing the national title for the first time, reports Ian Morgan.
Monmouth School for Girls 1st XI, captained by Olivia Harwood, carried off the top prize at Hockey Wales’ National Under-18 Schoolgirl Finals in Newtown.
The girls trailed 1-0 at the interval in the final against Llandaff school Glantaf, before hitting back to win the trophy for the first time in the school’s history with a memorable 2-1 triumph thanks to two goals from Sophia Smale, including a penalty stroke.
Earlier in the day, the girls beat Rhydal Penhros 3-1 in their first game before topping the group after a 1-0 success against Christ College Brecon.
The Monmouth team booked their place in the final in nerve-jangling circumstances, edging past Preseli, 6-5, in a thrilling semi-final shoot-out, after the match had finished 1-1.
“We had a brilliant day,” said school director of sport Caroline Jones.
“The girls played some fantastic hockey and have been wonderful ambassadors for the school.”
The successful championship squad was – Anna Leeke, Ella Bryan, Laura Simmons, Georgia Carpenter, Lotte Matthews, Daniela Waters, Sophia Smale, Sophie Pugh, Sophia Rose, Zoe Cripwell, Zoe Whitehouse, Millie Ryan, Olivia Harwood, Luella Hay and Freya Taylor.