With two weeks to go before the start of the 2010 National Schools’ Lacrosse Championships we were losing hope of the event taking place; the pitches were waterlogged and there had hardly been a break in the inclement weather. However, for the second time consecutively at Imperial College we were blessed with good weather and the entire event went ahead as scheduled. Much of this ‘good fortune’ is attributable to the impressive and much appreciated hard work put in by the grounds staff in the few days leading up to the event.
Friday 5th, the first day of competition, saw the Under 19A & B squads in action where they competed in a round robin contest within their respective sections. The final positions for teams at the end of the day’s play would determine their position in the Championship Finals on the Saturday. Teams left the venue unaware of their fate for the following day or who they would meet. However, they returned on the Saturday to be presented with new sections, that were made up of teams comparable to themselves from the previous day’s play, and the opportunity to contend for one of 4 coveted titles – Championship Winners, Division 1 Winners, Division 2 Winners and Division 3 Winners. Approximately 1300 girls fought hard for their team and schools throughout this day in order to have the chance to proceed through to the quarters, semis and eventual final of their respective competitions. At the end of another hard day’s play 6 schools emerged as victors – In the Under 19A competition Godolphin impressively won the Championship title for the first time in their school’s history. Bedford High took away the Division 1 title, St Bartholomew’s Division 2 and Glenalmond Division 3. In the Under 19B section St Catherine’s were the Championship victors and Putney High School for the second year running emerged as winners of the Division 1 title.
The U15B squads, comprising of girls from Year 10 and below, also competed on the Saturday in their own competition. The number of teams entered, largely dictated by the number of available pitches, enabled a further 350+ girls to compete alongside their older counterparts in this national competition. The unique tri-final competition resulted in Wycombe Abbey ‘C’ squad defeating Lady Eleanor Holles in the final to take the 2010 title.
Tuesday 9th, a quieter day in some respects, still saw over 800 girls work tirelessly in order to be crowned National Champions. The event was gruelling with section play followed by 4 stages of knock out matches. At the end of a long day Godolphin equalled the success of their senior squad by taking the Under 15 title.
The main aim of the tournament is to reward players and staff alike by providing an enjoyable yet testing competition at the end of the season. In order to provide this the tournament relies heavily upon volunteers and the support of those involved from family and friends to staff and players. This year the tournament was run with less volunteers than ever before and yet saw a record breaking crowd. Thanks go to these loyal and essential supporters!
