Lacrosse teams shine on mini tour

October 11, 2016

A motivational new mantra helped determined lacrosse players shine on the field when they embarked upon a mini tour to represent their school at the weekend.

Teams between 14 and 16-years-old from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls outdid themselves during the U19 tournament, keeping the inspirational words ‘challenge yourself’ in mind throughout.

The group travelled to Hampshire and Surrey, stayed overnight in Camberley and then played at St Catherine’s, Bramley, the next day.

Lou Scott, Acting Director of Sport at HMSG, said: “I am ecstatic with the squad’s performance this weekend. The excellent results across all three teams are a testament to their preparation, positivity and willingness to push themselves beyond their comfort zone.

“We always focus on playing together and putting the team before the individual but in addition this season our mantra is ‘challenge yourself’.

“At the beginning of every game players are tasked with deciding how they can do this. Each player has pink tape on her stick so she can write her challenge on it as a constant reminder of what she is working towards.

“Some choose just a key word and it is no surprise to see such things as, ‘Fight’ and ‘Focus’ written on their sticks.”

Ably led by captain, 16-year-old Indigo, and vice captains Sophie, 16, and Carys, 16, the 2nd team played assertively throughout the tournament.

Miss Scott added: “The team showed composure as they entered the final. After conceding the first goal they replied with three on the trot before St Mary’s quickly came back with a second and third just before the final whistle.

“After a quick change of ends, the game entered extra time with a golden goal required. With supporters from the other HMSG teams chanting on either side of the field, the next 10 seconds will remain in the memories of all involved for a very long time.

“Taking the ball from the draw, we were quick to work it in to our attack. Rapid ball movement created discord in the St Mary’s defence and four passes later the ball was in the back of the net and HMSG had won the title: South West Rally 2nd team Division 1 Winners 2016.”