Burgess Hill School for Girls played Hurst College in the finals of the Sussex Hockey Knockout Competition held at Ardingly School.  The competition has been running since September and both schools won through their rounds to gain a place in the final.

Burgess Hill got off to a flying start gaining possession and earning several short corners, but none were converted.  Hurst quickly broke midway through the first half and an excellent strike from the top of the circle saw them take the lead. A tactical switch at half time saw the pace of Yasmin Rashid have greater impact on the game and Burgess Hill continued to pressure the opposition defence.  Hurst held strong and again broke quickly and exposed Burgess Hill’s defense to score and take a two nil lead.  Yasmin Rashid burst through two players and into the circle; she was then impeded and a penalty stroke was converted.  Rosie Bloor calmly stepped up to take it, to bring Burgess Hill back into the game.  With ten minutes to go, Lauren McConnell made an outstanding goal line clearance, which turned the game.  Yasmin Rashid again burst through on the right wing, to undercut the ball into the net to level the scores at 2-2.  The girls now believed they could do it and with sheer drive and strength of character gained a short corner, which Rosie Bloor struck with power and Gwen Williams followed up on the left post to score.  With four minutes left Burgess Hill dug deep, and held off a late Hurst challenge to take the title and become worthy Sussex Champions.  Suzy Clapp, Head of PE at Burgess Hill School for Girls said it was “An excellent team effort”.

Under 18 Hockey Team Champions

14/05/09