Brentwood School - Brentwoodian 2020

58 1st XI The 1st XI hockey team had a challenging but enjoyable season which was filled with hard- fought matches which really brought out the best in each player. Although the results may not always have gone in our favour, we never gave up and always continued to support each other on and off the pitch. The highlights of the season were our 5-1 win against Highgate and our 11-0 win against Forest. Unfortunately we lost our incredibly talented goalkeeper and Vice-Captain, Harriet Ellis, early in the season due to a nasty hand injury, but Fifth Year, Niamh Mills, eagerly took over this position and quickly showed her skills and cat-like reflexes! Niamh was an invaluable asset to the team; thank you so much for stepping up to the mark when the team really needed you! Late in the season we were excited to welcome Fourth Year, Pranita Arun Prasadh into our ranks. Despite being the youngest player on the team, her quick-thinking and calmness on the ball would rival even the most seasoned of Sixth Form hockey players, clearly showing the immense potential she has! It was a pleasure to play alongside her, and I hope she continues playing hockey and improving her skills. We were lucky this season to welcome a very talented group of Fifth Years, who all were extremely passionate about improving their skills and made a huge impact, especially Freya Killilea whose scarily skilful play in centre-back can only be described as EPIC. Also playing in defence were Ellie Marshall and Annabel Gregory, both of whom never failed to chase down the opposition and redistribute the ball out of dangerous play. In midfield Renée Horwitz used her speed to run circles around the opposition and score multiple great goals. Lila Lambeth also made a great impact in midfield, using her skills and calmness on the ball to break down the opposition’s attack. Up front Rubyann Ireson- Hughes worked tirelessly to set up goals and keep up the team’s morale. From the Lower Sixth we had Millie Defries in defence, whose effortless poise on the ball and impressive tackles ensured that the defense stayed strong and united. In midfield Caitlin Goodbody was vital in setting up play across the pitch and boosting morale with her endless enthusiasm and contagious laugh. I would also like to commend Millie and Caitlin for their commitment to training throughout the season; well done for going the extra mile to improve your skills! Also in midfield, Emma Philpot gave the opposition a run for their money with her phenomenal goals and fearsome ability to get the ball off pretty much anyone! Up front, Lucy Holloway dominated the opposition’s defence with her gritty determination and consistency throughout the season, helping us to secure many impressive goals. Lastly in the Upper Sixth we had Megan Beardwell in defense, who stopped many of the opposition's goals with amazing tackles and clearances. In midfield we had the wonderful Skye Lynch, whose effortless skill and natural ability often put the opposition to shame and helped set up spectacular goals. And last but not least we had Elizabeth Hepburn-Braham in forward, whose combination of speed and skill allowed her to score some cracking goals and dominate the defense. I would like to say a massive thank you to the Upper Sixth for continuing to play hockey throughout the School and still maintaining a fierce passion for the sport. It has been a pleasure playing alongside you for the past seven years and I will cherish the memories we made. I wish you all the luck and success in the future and I hope you carry on playing hockey; who knows, maybe we may meet again on opposite sides of the pitch! I would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Giles for his excellent coaching this season. We have greatly improved as players and as a team thanks to his meticulously planned training sessions and his unfaltering passion for hockey. His uplifting team talks have kept our heads up during monumental losses, kept us focussed during wins, and made us strive to be better players. I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to captain such a kind and talented group of individuals during my final year at Brentwood. You are all truly wonderful and I will miss you greatly. By Ella Hawes Hockey