The new champions of the UK School Games hockey match are once again the England under-18 girls, protecting their title for the third year in a row from the previously unbeaten Scotland team
On Sunday, England and Scotland met at the Wales Institute of Sport in Cardiff in a three day event, with the England girls confidently securing a 5-3 win of the Tournament.
“They deserve every credit for what has been achieved,” said England assistant coach Charlie Seecomb adding, “We’re delighted how the team has welded together in such a short space of time.”
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Bradford Wakefield’s Rosie Tootell began to conquer the pitch in the fifth minute of play, with a successful penalty corner, striking home into the bottom right corner. Then, the following minute the England lead was doubled with Georgia Rawlinson scoring the first of her four goals, again from a penalty corner.
A further 18 minutes into the game and Rawlinson scored for the second time, whilst leaving Scotland to pull back a goal through Heather Elder before half time through a penalty corner England were still in command.
Rawlinson continued to dominate at 50 minutes in, obtaining her hat-trick as England strongly went 4-1 up, while Scotland returned with Anna Thompson who scored from another penalty corner.
It was during open play and 64 minutes in that Rawlinson attempted another goal, only to be saved by the Scotland goalkeeper, yet the ball fell loose and with a lift, the Firebrands player scored her the final goal for England.
Scotland’s response was for Thompson to add a third and desperate goal to the match, but it was not enough as England were celebrating only a matter of seconds later.
Elinor Davies, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Images courtesy of England Hockey
