Two Cranleigh girls' hockey teams scoop regional titles

Two girls' hockey teams from Cranleigh School scooped regional titles this week. The Under 14 Girls were crowned South East Champions and the Under 16 Girls finished as Surrey Champions.

The U14 Girls won the South East Regional Tournament to qualify for the outdoor hockey National Finals.

Mr Richard Organ said; "Starting with a difficult game against a strong Sevenoaks side we scored early and although they created a few chances, we managed to contain their quick forwards and midfield most of the time to run out 1-0 winners.

"Another first half goal put us in control against Brighton and we sealed a 3-0 victory with two breakaway goals near the end. A physical and direct Ardingly side were next and they had already drawn 1-1 with the strong and well-drilled St George’s team. Ardingly put us under a lot of pressure and created numerous chances and short corners. We were surviving, but come the second half we got a breakaway and scored against the run of play. They hit the post but somehow we held on with some committed defending and great goalkeeping to give us another 1-0 win."

He continued; "Whilst we were having a comfortable 3-0 victory over St Lawrence, St George’s were being held to another 1-1 draw with Brighton. So with four wins out of four we had sealed top spot and qualification before playing our local rivals St George’s in the last game. Having been outplayed by them in both the Surrey heats and the Surrey finals but having sneaked 1-0 wins each time, this was a great match and although we lost 2-3, it showed just how much this side has improved over the past month."

The squad will play in the National Finals on Wednesday 2nd March. Well done to: Evie A., Katie A., Charlotte B., Flora C., Martha C., Grace C., Bea F., Isla G., Grace J., Maddy K., Eliza L., Matilda L., Ruby M., Martha R., Lucy S. and Ella S.

The U16 Girls won all their games as they qualified for the indoor hockey Regional Finals

City of London Freemen's School was first up and Cranleigh attacked from the start, winning 4-0.

Cranleigh's Director of Hockey, Mr Richard Organ, said: "We started rather slowly against St Teresa’s and they defended well against us, 1-1 at half time. The second half was a different affair with us stepping up the ball pace and scoring 3 goals to record a 4-1 victory. Lingfield were then despatched 5-1 with us continuing to improve.

"So onto the final game against the always strong St George’s – the winner would win the tournament. We went out and increased our ball pace further as well as making more connections going forward to come out with a strong 4-1 win leaving us as Surrey Champions."

With COVID and lockdown last year this was the first school indoor competition for all the players bar one and the improvement made over the four games was very encouraging.

On Tuesday 23rd November the same team also beat the side from Wellington College 1-0 in a feisty game to reach the outdoor hockey National Cup Quarter Finals. The indoor hockey Regional Finals will be held on Sunday 5th December at Bedes.

Congratulations to the whole squad: Freya A., Molly B-S., Charlotte B., Camilla B., Grace H., Jemima H., Izzy J., Roxy L., Sophia L., Sasha P., Kitty S. and Effie S.