Strathallan girls get off to a flying start

HOCKEY: Strathallan’s girls first XI have had a great start to the season, winning three tournaments so far.

The most recent of these was the closely-fought Independent Schools Boarding Tournament, which they hosted on Sunday, 9 October.

The two other events they have been successful in so far in 2011/12 were the Madras Tournament and the first XI Midlands event, when they defeated Dollar Academy in the final.

After a day featuring some great matches at the Independent Schools Boarding Tournament, they were tied on points with Fettes College, but won the tournament having scored more goals.

They drew with Fettes in their first match, then followed up with wins over Gordonstoun (4-0), St Leonards (5-1), Kilgraston (3-0), Loretto (1-0) and Dollar (1-0).

Over those matches, Rachael Campbell led the way with seven goals – including a hat-trick against St Leonards – while Naina Mearns, Emily Barnes, Eugenia Ramos, Anni Arthur and Mhairi Bannerman also chipped in with goals.

Runners-up Fettes recorded five wins against Dollar, Loretto, St Leonards, Gordounstoun and Kilgraston, and special mention must go to Millie Brown, who was nominated as player of the tournament. She is in the youngest year group in the first XI, and is continuing to make excellent progress.

Sarah Johnston, Head of Girls Games at Fettes, said: “The full team put in a great effort and played some excellent hockey.”

On Strathallan’s positive start to the season, Director of Sport and first XI hockey coach Audrey Syme said: “The boarding tournament was of a really high quality and the girls had to dig deep. They played some good hockey throughout the afternoon and it was a fascinating battle with Fettes, who also showed up well.

“It is quite a young first XI this year, as we lost seven key players over the summer, but the girls who are now in the team have been learning fast and I think they really benefited from coming back to school early for pre-season, during which time they won the Madras event.

“I am enjoying working with this group and I think they are looking forward to the rest of the outdoor season and the indoor campaign.”

On Saturday, the Strathallan girls drew 1-1 with Glenalmond and, after half-term, a number of the players’ minds will be switching to district duties.

In early November, district events take place and Strathallan will have five girls representing Midlands at under-16 level and five at under-18 level.