The Merton School Sport Partnership held its annual Year 5/6 Quicksticks Hockey Borough Competition on Friday 25th November 2022 at Raynes Park High School. Quicksticks is a modified version of hockey suitable for primary aged children. Games consist of four players on pitch with no goalkeepers; this makes it easier for primary schools to play, as accessing a goal keeping kit is a tricky and costly affair. Quicksticks hockey also requires the players to rotate each game, giving them the chance to act as a coach, scorer and to give all players an equal chance to take part.
Nineteen teams from across the borough took part in the event. The competition consisted of four leagues with each team moving forward into their respective finals playoff games to determine an overall position. The competition format ensured that all schools had plenty of games to let the children develop through the competition.
After all the league games had finished each school had a final game to determine their overall position within the competition. The semi-final consisting of Holy Trinity and Wimbledon Park, during the competition it was evident that both teams had been tactically coached prior to the competition. There were waves of attacks from both teams but both defenses were solid and did not give up without a fight. However, Holy Trinity persisted and managed to secure a 2-0 win. The other semi-final between Bishop Gilpin and West Wimbledon ended up with being very tight and it was, this time West Wimbledon scoring the goal to put them into the final.
The final was a close encounter, between West Wimbledon and Holy Trinity. The majority of play was in midfield, as the standard of play from both teams was very similar and of a high standard. The game resulted in going to extra time and eventually penalties, with Holy Trinity emerging victorious by a single penalty shot. Congratulations to Holy Trinity for becoming the Merton Borough Quicksticks Hockey Champions 2022.
Final positions are as follows:
- Holy Trinity
- West Wimbledon
- Bishop Gilpin
- Wimbledon park
- Dundonald
- Hollymount
- Poplar
- Garfield
- Sacred Heart
- St Matthews
- SSPP
- Merton Park
- St John Fisher
- Pelham
- Wim Chase
- Joseph Hood
- Morden
- St Teresas
- Liberty
Thank you to all the schools that took part. A big thank you to Raynes Park for letting us use their fantastic facilities. A special mention to Wimbledon Hockey Club for attending with their coaches to help umpire and spot any talented players for prizes supplied by the hockey club and an invitation to their academy .