Bancroft’s School's Under-13 and Under-16 hockey teams have progressed through the early stages of the National Schools Hockey Championships

The Under-13s played in the Essex Cup at Redbridge sports centre, winning seven games against local schools, including Chigwell, Forest, Felsted and Coopers’ Coborn.

Their tally of 21 points made them Essex champions and they finished the day unbeaten.

Coach Jonathan Prole said: “The boys played very mature hockey despite their young age.

"They distributed the ball quickly and created a wealth of chances.

"This was a great day of hockey with fabulous performances from the whole team and a great team ethos.

"Now the preparation starts for the East Regional Tournament, when they will represent the county on March 3.”

Meanwhile, the Under-16s travelled to Ipswich for the East of England play-offs.

A 2-0 victory over The Perse in their first game was the perfect start and the second fixture resulted in a 3-2 victory against Framlingham.

Two further wins from games against Lincoln Minster School and Samuel Whitbread Academy meant Bancroft's topped their group convincingly with a haul of 12points.

Team coach Any MacLeod said: “This was a very impressive performance from a very impressive team.

"They showed a great positive attitude and team ethic throughout; the comradery was matched only by the skills on display.”

Bancroft’s will now compete in the East of England finals in Norwich in March. The top two from a round robin tournament will progress into the national quarter-finals.