Tournament victory for 1st VII

After the disappointment of not qualifying for the National Finals,  it was a real lift to the season for the First VII to win the John Kelsall invitation Tournament, held at Brentwood..

This is a prestigious tournament with invited independent schools, including Greshams, Kimbolton, Perse, Felstead  and  King's Canterbury. The girls played four matches in their section; after losing the first  first match of the day to King's Canterbury 11 – 12, they went on to beat Greshams 17 – 12, Chigwell 15 – 4 and Brentwood 2 24-4.  Three teams finished equal section first on 16 points, but Bancroft's easily won the section on goal difference.   Greshams were second and King's, who had beaten Bancroft's earlier in the day, were out!   In the semi-finals, Bancroft's beat Forest (12-6)  to face Brentwood in the finals.  Brentwood is a very strong team and fields one super league player (U17 England).  The Bancroft's girls played superbly in the the final, using speed and skill to overcome height, with some excellent shooting from both Georgina Andes (GA) and Monika Patel (GS)  and won 17 – 12 .   The King's Canterbury  umpire said,  "They are a dream team, what lovely skilful players."