Lacrosse national champions
A Shropshire team has been crowned national champions in the national schools lacrosse tournament.
The Moreton Hall Under 14s Lacrosse team took the crown at the event in Aldershot, the first time that it has ever won the nationals.
Reflecting on the girls’ achievement, Lacrosse Coach, Mrs Louise Lewin said: “This win encapsulates everything about Moreton: the teamwork, the dedication to each other, the camaraderie, the sheer guts and fitness.
“The girls have achieved the best possible accolade. There is nothing higher than this. They are the number one team in the country for their sport.”
Retired lacrosse teacher, Sue Draper, who has taught generations of students across Shropshire said:
Parent Clare Downes watched all of the matches, and said: “The Under 14s went to the Nationals with no expectations, apart from to enjoy a great day of playing fantastic lacrosse. Gradually the opposition teams became fewer and the coaches kept warning me, as we made it into each new round, how big the schools were and how good they were. But the girls just kept believing they could win- and did” she said.
The team faced some gruelling battles against some of the country’s most renowned lacrosse schools, beating Guildford High in the quarter finals and Lady Eleanor Holles in the final.
Team Captain, Georgia Thomas, said: “Our amazing goalie, Iris, achieved so much in the final match, saving so many shots on goal. The attacks and the defenders worked solidly, heeding Mrs Lewin’s words to keep possession. Every member of the team gave their all.
"Our coaches have been amazing. We couldn’t have achieved this without their dedication and faith in us.”
Success was also achieved across the year groups, with Moreton’s First and Second teams being placed in the top eight and the Under 13s reaching the semi-finals.
Principal Jonathan Forster said: "We had high hopes of success. Before we began the tournament all our teams have had an excellent season. However, the performance at every level exceeded all our expectations in ways difficult to encapsulate. The Under 14s are - a small year group with just one reserve and they won The English Lacrosse National Championships.”
