KEQMS played host to the North West round of the National Schools U13 Hockey Tournament on Monday which involved 11 schools from all over the region.
In very wet and windy conditions all the players produced some creditable hockey with KEQMS Yr 8 just missing out on a final spot, losing to eventual winners Kirkham Grammar on strokes in the semi-final.
The tournament started well with a 3 - 0 win over local rivals Lytham High thanks to goals from Niamh Hendry(2) and Charley Holyoak. A second win against Liverpool College 2 - 0 , with goals from Milly Kirkman and Charley Holyoak, secured a semi-final spot but the final game against Westholme saw us have to come from behind to maintain our unbeaten record. Westhlome went ahead in the first half and despite having a number of opportunities it was only in the last 30 seconds that Charley Holyoak found the net after a great cross from Captain Megan Wildish. The semi-final saw us produce our best hockey of the tournament and we deservedly went ahead through a fantsatic goal from Niamh Hendry after a superb passing move down the right.
We held on to the lead until late in the game but Kirkham scored with a minute to go. The game then wet to 'dreaded penalties' and unfortunately Kirkham went through into the final and we had to battle for 3rd place. This we did superbly defeating Ripley 2 - 0 and so qualifying for the North west semi Finals in March.
The Year 7 palyed in the B Team tournament and despite playing older girls gave a creditable account of themselves. The first game against Arnold was a nervous affair with many goalscoring opportunities going begging but the 0 - 0 draw was credit to good defending by Amelia Broadbent. The second game saw us defeat Lytham 2 - 0 with goals from Leah Macaulay and Amelia Abbot.
The final game was a must win one but despite creating some good goalscoring chances it was Westholme who found the net. A 3rd place final position is commendable and will stand them in good stead for more tournament hockey later in the term.
