Our Merton SSP Hockey Championships took place at the wonderful facilities of Raynes Park High School with the superb support from the senior leadership and coaches from the Wimbledon Hockey Club. We are extremely grateful for the help from RPHS, Mr Oldridge and the team for hosting us and also to the club for bringing their expertise as well as some super exciting gifts, prizes and incentives for the children.
14 teams attended from across the borough and were placed in 2 groups of 7 teams to take part across 6 pitches set out on the pro hockey surfaces.
Thanks to all the schools and their coaches and teachers for enabling them to participate at the event. Liberty, St Thomas, St Teresa, SS Peter Paul, St John Fisher, Bishop Gilpin, Holy Trinity, Hillcross, West Wimbledon, Wimbledon Chase, Merton Park, Garfield, Hollymount and Poplar all took part with enthusiasm and skill as the Wimbledon Hockey Coaches noted particular individuals who were showing outstanding talent. Well done to the 14 individuals who were mentioned; one from each school who collected a club hockey stick as a prize for their efforts.
A special mention must be made to Holy Trinity for being nominated by other schools for our REFSPECT award for showing a high standard of respect, fair play and determination throughout their matches.
Congratulations to our Gold medal winners Poplar and to our Silver medalist Bishop Gilpin who both played their part in one of the most tense finals we have witnessed – the game ending 1 -1 after regulation 7 minutes only for Poplar to pip it on penalty goals by 4 to 3.
Well done also to our Bronze medal winners Hillcross with a tight 3-2 win over West Wimbledon. All 4 teams should be extremely proud of their efforts reaching the final stages after some fantastic group stages.
The final standings are as follows:
- Poplar
- Bishop Gilipin
- Hillcross
- West Wimbledon
- Merton Park
- Holy Trinity
- Wimbledon Chase
- SS Peter Paul
- St John Fisher
- Garfield
- St Teresa
- Liberty
- Hollymount
- St Thomas
Thanks to all our competitors, coaches, officials and hosts. We hope you all had an equally enjoyable experience and it inspires you to stay involved with playing, officiating and organising school sport.
Many thanks
The MSSP Team