Jasmine and Orla in Year 8 are members of the Wallingford Wildcats hockey team, and took part in the England Hockey State School Championships at the Nottingham Hockey Centre on Friday 5th May. This report comes from Emma Seymour, the Under 14s coach for the team:

The combined Oxfordshire state school teams were recognised by England Hockey as creating another opportunity for enabling state school students to come together to play hockey. Having girls from Icknield, Grayfriars, Didcot Girls, Wallingford schools as well as one home school player highlighted the strength of state school hockey.

The girls topped their pool, playing teams from Peterborough, Skegness and Birmingham, conceding zero goals and scoring a total of 20 goals over 3 matches.

After winning what we thought was the quarter final 6-0 (confusion from the opposition), we won our official quarter final against Deanery CoE High School, 2-0.

This saw the girls take on Wycombe High School in a well fought semi-final, winning 2-1.

The final was against Rosebery School from Epsom, Surrey.  After the weather had held out for us against the forecast all day, the heavens opened and a deluge of rain slowed down both teams. However the opposition was strong and defended our continuous and determined advances. A near goal hitting the post was sadly not enough and the opposition scored, resulting in 1-0 defeat.

Throughout the day, the girls played with poise, presence and power and should feel very proud of their achievement - second in the whole tournament, only two goals conceded and new friendships made. A win for school hockey!

A highlight of the day was having the opportunity to talk to Elllie Rayer, GB player, who was a delight and inspiration. She even allowed her Olympic and Commonwealth medals to be held by the girls and coaches alike.