What an amazing term for lacrosse! Lots of success across different age groups – notably the U13s being the year group of the term for lacrosse, and our U15s finishing 2nd in the country at the National Schools Lacrosse Championships.
Our U12s have slowly been gaining confidence and they have represented the school well at the U12 South West Festival this March where they got to experience some 6s lacrosse as well as playing in their first tournament – a fast and furious Thursday.
St Helen’s U13s have been steadily making a name for themselves in the world of school lacrosse. They were crowned undefeated champions of the South West Rally and were narrowly defeated in the semi-final of National Schools. What a great achievement – it’s been so exciting to see the whole squad develop and grow this season.
The U14s fresh off the bus from the Battlefields trip competed at the U14 South West Rally and it was a joy to see the whole squad play against each other in the Plate final – with St Helen’s coming out as the winner either way! The biggest achievement for this year group continues to be the growth in participation within the squad, due not only to the hard work of Miss Walters and Miss Pettipher but also to the players working hard and bringing joy and enthusiasm to training.
Our U15s have had a season filled with trials and tribulations, but grew together as a squad throughout and it’s very exciting to know that this group of players will join the Senior Lacrosse Squad next season. They have competed at both the South West Rally and National Schools Lacrosse Championships this term. Their success at the South West Rally set them up well to compete at nationals only a week later. They were brilliant in the latter stages of the day and narrowly missed out on winning in a closely fought game with Haileybury. They finished an incredible 2nd in the country!
And, last but certainly not least, the Seniors have had a wonderful term full of great Saturday victories but also strong performances at the National Schools Lacrosse Championships. The 1sts got to the Division 1 quarter-finals, our 2nds (unbeaten all season) made it to the semi-finals and our 3rds coming 4th place in their group. They have been a pleasure to coach this season and we wish the Upper Sixth all the best in their future lacrosse – and, yes, we have made them promise they will continue to play at university!
Flo (Upper Sixth) gives her perspectives on our 1st lacrosse team’s past season: “As the Upper Sixth’s final school lacrosse competition, National Schools 2023 fulfilled every expectation. It was great to watch how our team had become closer over the season and the atmosphere over the weekend was that of working hard for each other on the pitch and dancing to Katy Perry in the tent.”
“While we did not make it through to the semi-final, it is clear that the lax squad next year should be in an excellent position for victory. It was an emotional end to the season, but one that we wouldn’t have changed one bit! We are very grateful to Miss Keogh for her amazing support, and we cannot wait to come and watch a few matches next year!”
Miss Keogh, Head of Lacrosse
