Our U14s had a mixed season, the level of commitment to every match and training session was great to see, and they were a pleasure to coach - rewarded by a strong showing
Our U16 team competed in the Tier 1 National Cup and this proved a great opportunity for some younger boys to pitch themselves against other top schools. A 2-1 loss versus a tough Tonbridge side meant that they moved into the plate competition. The team progressed well into the third round where they narrowly lost 1-0 to a very strong Caterham side. Once again, the 1st XI had a great season. Falling at the semi-final stage in the prestigious Frank Mason tournament was a disappointment, but still a great achievement. Once again, we competed in the Independent Schools Cup. The boys started the tournament well with wins over Caterham and Seaford School and this set up a quarter-final clash with Kingston Grammar School. The boys played extremely well but ended up losing 2-1 in a very tightly contested 2-1. This was a great cup run and all of the boys involved should be very proud. I would like to thank all the coaches and players for their commitment and success during the term and wish everyone the best of luck for next year.
in the County Tournament.
The U15s have had another positive season. Their attitude towards
learning and improving their hockey was exemplary and they were a pleasure to coach on a daily basis. To go through the season only losing three matches and gaining a +31 goal difference is testament to the girls and the attitude they displayed regularly. I am delighted that this group were able to see tangible results over the course of the term. The U14Bs and U15Bs have also had a positive term where they have contested some very close games showing a great work ethic and improvement throughout. For there to be only three defeats for these two groups is a fantastic achievement! I am always impressed with the attitude and competitiveness that our 2nd XI show. They approached every session and match with an open mind and as a result, we always see a great deal of progression throughout the season. Everyone in this group should be proud of their efforts, and I want to thank them for their approach.
It is always important to build confidence at the start of the season so that the group are ready to go into their cup run. Some strong results against Kent College and The King’s School, Canterbury provided the group with this confidence. A victory against a strong Hurstpierpoint College side set the girls up with a tough fixture against the team who beat them last year: Bede’s. The girls played a brilliant game and came out victorious after a penalty shootout, but their cup run came to an end against an outstanding Reed’s School. The girls should be very proud of the season they had. I would like to thank all the coaches and players for their commitment throughout the season and the dedication they have shown to the pupils.
Mr H Stevens, Head of Hockey
GIRLS’ HOCKEY With 70 matches played in total across all ages, it was yet again an extremely busy Michaelmas Term for the Hockey Programme. Having nearly every girl in the School
strongest schools in the County. This was followed shortly afterwards by the Kent County Tournament where once again, the girls did themselves proud. These tough tournaments provided the girls will some excellent experiences which
Mr H Stevens, Head of Hockey
experiencing competitive hockey was a challenge, but something we are very proud of. No matter which age group or team they were playing for, the girls enjoyed their hockey and showed a great deal of progression throughout the season. As is the case in every season, our Kirby 1st VII have been one of the busiest teams having not only regular fixtures but also two tournaments. Their first major event was the annual Sevenoaks tournament where the girls competed in some intense fixtures with the
For the first time this year we took our girls to the annual Gordon’s School pre-season tournament. This was a fantastic team building experience for the girls and stood them in good stead heading into the season. As in previous seasons, the 1st XI girls had an extremely busy season where they played 20 games. To only lose 2 of these is outstanding and a testament to the hard work and dedication these girls showed throughout the season.
I have no doubt they will learn from as they move up the school teams. In addition, there were over 25 other fixtures in Kirby, which meant that every girl was able to experience at least one competitive hockey fixture. As with the 1st VII we saw a great deal of improvement from the start of the season and every girl should be proud of their achievements.
LAWRENTIAN 2023
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