The Year 6 U11A hockey team made the long journey to Eastbourne College for their IAPS regional event: an early win gave the boys the confidence to challenge throughout the day. A narrow loss to the much fancied and experienced Ardingly College was followed by a match drawn by the opposition in the last play. The results of the boys’ three pool matches saw them place 2nd in the group and, with much excitement, the realisation of a place in the main Cup competition – a spot in the quarter-final with event favourites, Hall Grove School.
What was to follow was one of those memorable and inspiring SHS team performances that will live long in the memory. To a player the team brought a high energy, all-action approach (with a strong touch of deft and smart play) to the challenge of defeating Hall Grove. With last-ditch defending, miracle saves and shots missing by millimetres, it was fifteen minutes of wonderful sport. Unfortunately, the team fell agonisingly short of a place in the semi-final, but they demonstrated the core SHS sportsmanship skills brilliantly.
