On Saturday 5 March Caterham School U14A lacrosse team won the U15B category in the National Schools Lacrosse Tournament. This is the first time a Caterham School lacrosse team has become National champions.
They had to paly six matches on the Friday and came top of their section:
Downe House W 2-1 Moreton Hall W 4-1
Benenden W 2-0 St Helen’s & St Katherine W 4-2
Sherborne W 2-1 St Catherine’s L 2-3
In the semi final, they defeated Lady Eleanor Holles 4-0.
In the final they met St Catherine’s, who took the lead with an early goal. This was quickly followed by a goal from Francesca Adams from an assist from Paige Stapleton. Caterham then controlled the pace of the game for the remainder of the match. The defence played as a solid unit and allowed only 3 shots which Joanna Upward saved with ease. Paige Stapleton scored to give Caterham the lead and Francesca Adams got a second goal to end the game with a score of 3-1.
Seven of the squad got on the score sheet during the competition:
Robyn Hunt-Williams: 8 goals 2 assists Francesca Adams: 8 goals 1 assist
Paige Stapleton: 2 goals 2 assists Millie Hopkins: 2 goals 1 assist
Georgina Tatton: 1 goal 1 assist Sarah Slater: 1 goal
Georgia Bird: 1 goal
Coach Miss Katie McHugh said: ‘The squad played very well, putting into practise so much of what they had learnt throughout the season. I was most encouraged that, although they had lost to St Catherine’s in their section match and had been a goal down in the final, they had the strength of character and self belief to improve their play and win the final.’
Head of Girls’ Games Mrs Nat Lomas said: ‘They did so well. It is always difficult for a co-education school to compete against all girls’ school because they have a larger resource, so this is an excellent achievement for them. Last year they won the Coloma Cup and I am delighted that the have continued to develop. Their play and skills are probably the best I have ever seen at this age group.’
The Caterham School 1st XII reached the National Schools championship group again and finished in the top 14 in the country. They came second in their section on Friday beating St. Paul's 2-1, St. Helen's 6-1, Walthamstow Hall 3-0, Benenden C 7-0 and Cranleigh 8-0. On the Saturday they had some very close and hard fought games but lost most of them, only defeating Withington 4-2.
The lacrosse 2nd XII also had five victories on Friday taking them through to the championship matches on Saturday where they defeated Wycombe Abbey C 1-0 and St Paul’s 2-1 but they lost their other matches which meant they finished in 5th place in their section, which is 10th overall.