A fantastic win at the Dean Close alumnae sixes tournament for the Old Bloxhamist ladies hockey team!
The Old Bloxhamist Ladies hockey team secured a fantastic win at the Dean Close alumnae sixes tournament over the holidays.
Captain Lyndsey White (Wf 2009-16) picked up the Denys Carnill Cup, named in honour of a legendary member of the Dean Close staff between 1951 and 1984 who also represented Great Britain at hockey in three Olympics, captaining the side in Melbourne and Rome.
In a strong competition against the likes of Cheltenham College, Bromsgrove and Bryanston, the OBs played increasingly fluent hockey to win their group with victories against Rendcomb (1-0), King Henry VIII, Coventry (2-1) and Malvern (2-0). The hosts were beaten in the semi-final 2-0 thanks to superb goals from Lyndsey and Emily Dove, and so the final pitted Bloxham against Rendcomb once more, as they squeezed past St Edward’s, Oxford on penalty flicks in the other semi-final. An early goal from Pia Davies (Wf 2008-15) turned out to be the only score of the match, despite Bloxham having numerous further opportunities. Pia ended as top scorer, with 3 goals, while Lyndsey White and Molly Kirk (Wf 2008-14) both scored two. Harriet Boland (Wf 2008-15) and Millie Beesley both played crucial roles, while strong defence from Davina Miller (Ry 2005-12) and Molly Paxford (Ry 2005-12) and an impressive first game in goal for Kate Davies (Ry 2008-15) meant that only one goal was conceded all day. Lyndsey received the cup from the Headmaster of Dean Close, Bradley Salisbury, and our thanks are due to him, to tournament organizer Alex Hume and to all those involved in staging the event. We look forward to returning next year to defend the trophy!
The next ladies’ hockey fixture will take place on All Saints’ Tide, if you would like to join the full 1st XI, please get in touch.