Qualifying success for Chigwell School hockey teams (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Chigwell School teams qualify to regional rounds of National Schools Hockey Championships

6:20pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Sport

Three teams from Chigwell School were successful in qualifying for the next regional rounds of the National Schools Hockey Championships.

The Under-14 boys were first in action, having only made the transition from seven to full 11-a-side matches this term.

This didn’t stop the boys from playing with real maturity which resulted in a number of fine performances.

Chigwell won three out of four matches in a round robin, resulting in second place and therefore gained qualification to the regional round of the tournament to be hosted in Hertfordshire next month.

The Under-18 squad also showed a fine display of talent the following day.

Despite losing to the eventual winners, the team produced two high-scoring wins over Coopers’ Coburn (7-0) and Bancroft’s School (4-0), before a draw against Forest School resulted in a second-placed finish and qualification to the competition’s regional rounds.

The talented Chigwell Under-15 team demonstrated just how unstoppable they were when competing in the Under-16’s competition.

The team played some outstanding hockey, scoring more than 16 goals in their first four matches – but their success didn’t end there.

Despite their impressive record, the team went into their final game needing a win to ensure their qualification for the regional stages.

They duly delivered their best display of the tournament to earn a close 2-1 win over Feslted School and progress as Essex Under-16 champions.

Will Tomsett, head of boys hockey at the school, said: “The boys have worked extremely hard since the start of the season and they have been a credit to each other and the school.

“All the teams are already looking forward to the regional rounds later next month where they can challenge themselves against some of the best hockey schools in the region.”