St Bartholomew's storm to National Schools Lacrosse Championships

A Newbury lacrosse team finished winners of their division in a recent national tournament.

After a break of more than two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Schools Lacrosse Championships was back last month, with St Bartholomew's School's senior lacrosse team taking part.

The annual tournament, which has been running for almost 80 years, took place at the Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre and saw more than 3,000 girls playing for almost 200 teams in eight divisions, across three age groups.

On the Saturday, the St Bart’s squad took on some of the strongest teams in the country and, despite the tough competition, their "determined attitude and amazing teamwork" saw them qualify for Division 3 on the Sunday.

The girls put in "a second fantastic performance" on the Sunday to remain undefeated and cup winners.

Kelly Thorne, PE teacher at St Bart’s, said: “We are extremely proud of the girls and their excellent performance, they are a huge credit to the school.

"The atmosphere during the event was incredible and it was truly a wonderful experience for our players.”

On the Sunday the girls beat St James' Senior Girls School 4-0 in the first match of the day, before winning 3-0 against Tudor Hall School and then 2-1 against Malvern St James'.

Playing really well as a team, the girls then defeated St Albans 5-1 in the quarter finals.

A tight 3-2 victory over Loretto School in the semi-finals saw them through to the finals, where they faced Abbots Hill School.

St Bart's dominated the finals to secure a convincing 4-0 win, which saw them lift the U19A Division 3 Cup.

On the Saturday the players of the tournament were Georgia Humphreys in attack and Izzy Duly in defence.

Sunday's players of the tournament were Gemma Moon in attack and Anna Colston in defence.