Girls Hockey Make History

The U16 girls’ hockey team have made history by becoming the first team in Truro School’s history to reach the National Schools Hockey Final, after winning the T3 regional finals.

The team set off from school on the long journey up to Millfield at 5:45am, so they were ready to hit the ground running in their first group match against Clayesmore School. The squad dominated the game and had an impressive 6-0 victory, which would prove to be a crucial result later in the day.

Next up, Clifton High School proved to be good opponents with strong counterattack play in an end-to-end game that finished 0-0. Hereford Cathedral School followed this, and their physical style in combination with some accurate finishing led them to a 2-0 victory. This left the group very open as to who would qualify in second place.

The Truro School players had to reset from this set back and go into the two final group games with the aim of winning them to give them the best possible chance of progressing to the semi-finals. The coaching team did a bit of a reshuffle of players within the formation and the great adaptability of the squad to play in different roles was critical. Truro came out rejuvenated against The Maynard School and produced a comfortable 3-0 victory.

With the other group results now in, the team’s fate was firmly in their own hands. They had to win the final group game against Pate’s Grammar School to draw level on points with Hereford and finish as group runners-up on goal difference. Pate’s had won all their games throughout the morning, and going into the game had not conceded a goal all day. The team knew it was crunch time and that they would have dig deep to get the result they needed under pressure. Truro started the game brightly and a fantastic piece of individual skill from captain Summer R ended in a reverse strike finding the back of the net to give Truro the lead 1-0. However, Pate’s had a threatening right-wing attack which required some heroic defensive efforts and a great save from GK Evelyn J to keep them out. Game management then came into play with players being pulled back into more defensive positions to handle Pate’s attacking pressure. The release of tension and excitement when the hooter went was huge, and Truro knew they would have a tough semi-final against Prior Park College who had won the other group.

Full of confidence from the last game, Truro started positively and dominated the game in terms of territory whilst making great passing connections. Using the skill and strength of our own right side attack vice-captain Grace N found the goal from the wing. Again, it was tense on the bench, but a few attacking penalty corners brought the final hooter ever closer and then it went with Truro now moving into the final.

The other semi-final ended in a draw, giving the players a much-needed rest while they watched the penalty shuffles, which Stonar School won in sudden death. The team’s performance in the final was incredible, with the best version of every player coming together on the pitch in a superb display of skill and determination. Truro looked the fitter side, and their energy enabled them to play the majority of the match in Stonar’s half. Having won a penalty corner, the team looked confident, and a drag flick from Summer R found the bottom corner – the goal that ultimately won the tournament and sent the team to the National Finals.

The team’s achievement really is the tip of a very big iceberg, as there has been so much work and support that has gone in over a number of years from the players as well as parents and coaches. This group of players have shown great dedication to their hockey with many of them playing for Truro and Falmouth hockey clubs as well as playing the Cornwall County team. Grace N and Summer R are also part of the Exeter Talent Academy squad, with Summer being selected for the 2025-26 England U16 squad – making this an outstanding week for Truro School hockey. The girls really have inspired each other to become better players, and their individual and group development really came together at the tournament.

A huge thank you must go to all the coaches that have been involved with this group over the years, from the Prep School where many of them started their hockey journey, club, county & TA coaches as well as the coaching staff at Truro School Senior. Head of Hockey Miss Cobner said  “I could not be prouder of this group of players.  Whilst the result was amazing, the way they did it really impressed me. There was a moment where is looked like they might not make the semi-finals, but the girls all showed great resilience and dug deep to find a way to make it happen. Everyone who has been part of their hockey journey should share in this incredible achievement, and we can’t wait to take them to the National Finals!”

Click the link below to enjoy a video showcasing the highlights of the day:

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