Two girls teams from Devizes Hockey Club are through to the near-final stages of national competitions for the first time in the club’s 123-year history.

Never before has a side from the club done as well as at the weekend when the U16 girls travelled to Solihull to face the Old Silhillians Hockey Club – beating them 2-1 on penalty flicks after a 1-1 draw during normal play – and the U18 girls travelled to Woking Hockey Club, and beat them 3-1.

The hard-fought results mean both teams are through to the final stages of the national competitions; with the U18 Girls reaching the semi-finals of the England Hockey’s U18 Plate Competition and the U16s reaching the quarter finals in the same Plate Competition for their age group.

Alex Holloway, the club’s head of junior hockey and U18/16 head coach, said: “For Devizes to be able to field two, strong, junior girls’ teams in these national competitions, after the significant impact of covid, is testament to the hard work and dedication our players have put in. Both teams were incredible this weekend: focused, strong, and deserved their wins.

“The competition will only get tougher in the next rounds, but it is a challenge I am sure each team will take in their stride.”

Alex added: “This is the first season Devizes has been able to field teams in these competitions and it is a credit to the girls’ ability, work rate and determination that they have come as far in the competition as they have.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Champions in the makingChampions in the making

U18 Captain Bella Ward also praised the team performance. She said: “Everyone worked incredibly hard and I’m proud of the team for the guts and determination they displayed. I can’t wait to do it all again next round!”

England Hockey’s draw for the next rounds should take place this week, with matches scheduled for the February 27.

Reflecting on her team’s win through to the quarter finals, U16 Captain Ruby Morton praised the hard work and resilience of the team.

She said: “We really wanted this win and we went in fired up, ready to take on whatever the opposition could throw at us. Every player stepped it up several gears, gave it their all and we produced some really strong hockey throughout the match.

“I’m proud of the team performance – every single player was standout!”

And U16 Coach Callum Lavens added: “Devizes went to Old Silhillians with a strong and eager team. It was a tense and exciting match and Devizes got the result they deserved. They can head in to the next round full of confidence no matter which team they draw against.

“I’d like to thank our travelling supporters and our umpire for making the journey to the Midlands – what a result!”