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SPORTS 17
Hockey at the School Games
Josh Beardwell, U6E
In the final week of the summer
holidays I was fortunate enough
to participate in the annual School
Games hosted by Loughborough
University on its campus. I had been
selected to play in the England Red
team as part of the red, white and
blue squad.
We began the tournament with a 4-0 win
over our fellow countrymen England White,
a confidence fuelling victory, however the
experience of the legendary post-match ice
bath, which in our case was an improvised
affair - a paddling pool filled with glacial
water, soon took away the glow of our first
match victory. The following day we were
confronted with our age-old rivals, Scotland;
an eight goal thriller that ended in a draw
due to a final second equaliser from the
Scottish attack. A rather disappointing end to
our first game of the day was soon forgotten
as I once again plunged into the ice bath
with a swift recovery in mind for an evening
game the same day. Our penultimate match,
against England Blue, unfortunately ended in
a 2-1 defeat along with our quest to win gold
in the tournament.
After a session of video analysis where we
scrutinised our press and defence, it was
time for our final match against Ulster. A
neck and neck thriller 5-5 was enough to
secure the silver for Ulster and we secured a
place on the podium with the bronze medal
around our necks. The Games provided me
with a thoroughly enjoyable few days and
the chance to play against national squad
members. I was able to experience life on
campus and make the most of the facilities
as well as watch other sports on display;
wheelchair basketball and volleyball were
among the many memorable events.
Hockey Ball
Patrol
James Beardwell, 5E
Back in June I was lucky enough
to be selected for the Ball Patrol
team for the International Hockey
Federation Men’s World League
semi-final held at the Lee Valley
Hockey Centre. The competition
consisted of ten teams, England,
Netherlands, South Korea,
Malaysia, India, Canada, Pakistan,
China, Scotland and Olympic
Champions Argentina.
The Ball Patrol Team is a key element
of hosting a successful event. Their role
requires them to make decisions pitch
side, based around the knowledge of their
sport to try and assist in creating a fast
flowing match.
The competition lasted for ten days and
provided me with some great memories.
I met many fantastic international players
and witnessed some truly terrific hockey.
I met many new friends and the whole
event was superbly organised with a great
family atmosphere and the winners were
the Netherlands with England finishing in
3rd place. I really look forward now to the
Women’s World Cup at the same venue
next year!
Aiming for the Top
Ellie-Larsson Brown, 5S
When asked what sports I play
and I respond with “darts” people
tend to be a little shocked. When
you think of darts it is not perhaps
what you would expect for a 15
year old girl to occupy most of her
free time.
The question I get asked most frequently
(other than “Have you ever hit a 180?”) is
“How did you get involved?” Having played
casually at home, my father decided to take
me to the January 2016 Lakeside World
Championships, Champions’ Dinner. He
then convinced me throw a few darts and I
hit my first ever 180! I then started playing
youth county in May 2016 and I currently
play for London.
Due to my father managing six semi-
professional dart players, I have the
opportunity to spend time around some of
the top players, as well as being able to play
on some senior tour events. This allows me
to gain valuable experience from the likes
of Deta Hedman (the ladies’ world Number
1). The highlight of the senior events I
have played in was the Category A England
Classic, when I reached the Last 32; as a
result of this, I am currently ranked 421st in
the world for all ladies. Another highlight
for me this season was being runner up in
the England Open Youth and qualifying for
the Winmau World Masters, in Bridlington.
Unfortunately, I lost in the Last 32;
however, this was to the eventual runner
up. As a result of the various tournaments
I play in as well as playing for the county,
I am currently ranked third in the UK
for all youth girls. My new goal is to be
selected to play for England at the British
Internationals in April, which are being
held in Wales. My next competition is the
London Ladies’ Open and Classic, in which
the majority of the ladies’ top 16 will be
playing; I hope to achieve another Last 32
or better. I hope that some the things I have
achieved in a relatively short time proves to
you that darts is a sport for everyone.