With an U16 squad competing in an U18 age category, Abbot's Hill were able to enter two teams into the 2nds competition hosted at St Albans High School on Friday 2 December.
With the dark evenings preventing the squad from training outside, the AHS Sports Hall provides an excellent space for indoor practices enabling the squad to be well prepared for the trials of Indoor Lacrosse.
Team ‘1' were the first of the two squads to play, and faced Bedford in round 1 of the tournament, narrowly beating them 2-1. They were then straight on again to play Haileybury in an exciting match which they won 3-0. Team ‘2' were then up for their first test against local rivals Berkhamsted and, despite some very good stick-work, the squad lost 1-8. Team 1 were then quickly back on the court to play hosts SAHS and through some excellent team cohesion, they won 4-2. Straight onto the court having supported their team mates from the balcony, Team 2 were ready to face Habs in their next match and were able to put a great deal of pressure on the U18 side only to be narrowly defeated 1-3.
By the half way mark, Team 1 remained undefeated and Team 2 had the majority of their matches under their belts.
Team 1 were then back on the court against St Margaret's, Bushey, who they comfortably beat 4-0 as a result of some excellent quick passing and good shooting. The next two matches saw Team 2 play back-to-back against Haileybury which they won 5-2 and then St Margaret's who they also beat 2-1. Then came the game we were all excited about…the Abbot's Hill derby! In a highly competitive and fun encounter the two AHS squads played each other and knowing everyone's particular strengths made the game even closer. Team 1 emerged the victors with three well executed goals but were made to work particularly hard by their other teammates. The final match for Team 1 would determine where they come in the final standings as they faced Berkhamsted. The match proved to be the most competitive of the evening, with both teams' final positions being determined by the game. The final whistle saw both Berkhamsted and Abbot's Hill draw on two goals each, providing both teams with three points to add to their totals.
The final standings of the nine teams entered into to competition saw a tie at the top between Abbot's Hill Team 1 and Berkhamsted. Unfortunately, with a slightly greater goal difference, Berkhamsted were declared the overall victors of the evening with Team 1 finishing 2nd and Team 2 only a short way behind in 4th.
The achievements of the two teams can barely be put into words but having both finished in the top four of nine U18 sides shows an amazing team effort. Well done, in particular to Rebecca Jordache and Sophie Gibbs who were nominated MVPs for their teams as a result of some outstanding individual stick work and goal scoring.