Hockey: U16s boys celebrate national quarter final victory

On Thursday, 14 March, King’s played host to one of the UK’s leading hockey schools as the U16 boys took on Whitgift in the Tier 1 England Hockey national quarter finals. 

Taking place at lunchtime, the match attracted a good crowd of students, staff and parents and spirits were high as King’s took the lead in the ninth minute.

Whitgift equalised just after half-time and despite a number of shots on target for both sides, the score remained at 1-1.

The crowd held their breath for the penalty shuffles as the well-matched teams took the competition to sudden death.

The tension was short-lived in the sudden death penalties; keeper William Mason (5LES) denied Whitgift their first attempt, allowing team captain Oscar Wallis (5BRD) to convert and take the victory for King’s. 

Coach Chris Ashcroft joined in the celebrations with players and supporters. 

He said: “What an incredible victory against arguably the leading hockey school in the country!

“This team lost to Whitgift in the 2022 National Final when they were U14s, which makes today’s win even sweeter. Today was an immense statement for the strength of the King’s hockey programme over the last few years.”

Good luck to the U16s when they travel to the Olympic Park in April for the semi-final stage of the competition.