Sunday 31 August, University of the West of England, Bristol
UK School Games
England U18
1
(1)
-
0
(0)
Scotland U18
Lauren Turner 26 (F)
photo Ady Kerry
England’s U18 girls began their final match at the UK School Games with just 14 fit players after injuries to Amy Kee (broken collar bone) and Jess Wood (concussion) ruled them out of the game with Scotland.
Both sides started well and it was Scotland who looked most dangerous in the opening stages, earning two penalty corners which they failed to convert.
England’s goal came in the 26th minute after good work down the line from Georgie Twigg saw her release a pass to Abby Webb who delivered a great ball to Lauren Turner inside the Scotland circle where she beat the defender to the ball, slotting home to put England in pole position for the Gold medal.
The score remained 1-0 until half time with some entertaining hockey played by both sides. In the second half, the injury ravaged England side called on all their resources to dig deep, including goalkeeper Sarah Mansfied who had been between the posts the previous day and who played 15 minutes at centre forward here.
As the match wore on Scotland still threatened an equaliser and forced goalkeeper Lucy Dawkins of Loughborough High School into several good saves. Throughout the match Dawkins’ goal was resolutely protected by her back four of Annabel Hockey-Smith, Zoe Shipperley, Holly Webb and Rebecca McGuiness.
Ultimately, the second period was an even affair and the narrow England victory was probably a fair result.
After the match, Team Manager Rich Beer called the performance “a credit to the players and their hard work so late in the tournament under difficult circumstances.”
There was further cause to celebrate in the England camp that evening as England U18 Girls Head Coach Martin Rodgers was awarded not one, but two awards at the UK School Games awards ceremony. Martin collected the awards for Best Team Coach and Best Individual Coach in recognition of the work he has performed with this squad having had just three days with them together prior to the tournament.
