Our 1st Lacrosse team have been crowned Division 1 National Champions at the National Schools competition in Aldershot after an outstanding weekend of Lacrosse. Strong performances throughout the group stages and knockouts led to a superb 5–2 victory in the final against Wycombe Abbey, making this a fantastic achievement for the whole team and a memorable final season for our Upper Sixth players.
Hear from Alice J, Lacrosse Captain, on the team’s winning weekend:
Our 1st lacrosse team travelled down to Aldershot in March to compete in the National Schools competition. After being placed in the group widely recognised as the “group of death”, the girls began their morning with some tightly fought matches and convincing wins. Losing narrowly 4–2 and 6–4 to Moreton Hall and Claremont respectively, as well as winning 8–1 against both King’s School Canterbury and Heathfield, secured their place in Division 1 for the next day.
After a relaxing swim and a restful night’s sleep, the team were ready and raring to go for their Sunday matches. Winning two out of three of the morning matches placed them against Walthamstow Hall in the first round of the knockouts, where they comfortably won 5–0. Progressing through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, winning 6–0 on both occasions, the girls displayed an exceptionally high level of lacrosse and outstanding teamwork throughout.
After inspirational words from our coaches, Mrs Dunn and Mrs Gilbride, the girls were ready to face Wycombe Abbey in the Division 1 National Final. A strong start, taking an early 3–0 lead, settled the nerves of both players and coaches, and the girls remained in control throughout the match. When the final whistle blew, the team were crowned Division 1 National Champions, finishing with an incredible 5–2 victory — a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of their hard work, commitment and determination all season.
Special congratulations go to the girls who represented the Birkenhead School for the very last time. It will be very sad to see all the Upper Sixth girls leaving after seven fantastic years playing lacrosse, with highlights including winning the U12 North Schools and being U14 National runners-up. They have been a vital part of the 1st Lacrosse team for many years, and to finish their final season as Division 1 National Champions makes this an especially memorable ending. They will all be very much missed.
Well done to all the girls involved in this outstanding achievement, and to Alison Dunn for her dedication and hard work throughout the season. She has been an incredible coach over the past six years — her commitment and support have played a huge part in this success, and she will be greatly missed by them all.
Photos credit: Ady Kelly, England Lacrosse official photographer
