Glenalmond College Scotland Independent co-educational boarding school Lacrosse

National Schools Tournament, hosted by Sherborne School for Girls

The National Schools Tournament represents Britain’s most elite competition with a total of 42 teams competing for the national title. The Glenalmond U15 XII benefited on various levels by participating in the tournament; namely, they gained confidence, stamina and a greater understanding of lacrosse in the national context.

The experience was a positive one, not in the least because of match results. Glenalmond finished the tournament with three wins, two losses and one draw to place them 4th in their section amongst Stowe, Queen Margaret’s York, Berkhamsted, Bolton, Westonbirt, and St. Barts.

Outstanding performance and progress was executed by all. Performance of particular note was that of Roseanna Eden, vice captain, who led the team from her position at center. Roseanna was Glenalmond’s player of the tournament and Emily Hunter was high-goal scorer. Lottie Cameron played excellent defence, causing multiple turnovers and interceptions, initiating offensive opportunities and showcasing her tremendous endurance.

Junior Tournament, hosted by St. Leonards School

Tournament Winner: Glenalmond U15A

Player of the tournament: Lottie Cameron

Glenalmond 4 v. St. George’s 0
This game was a solid opener for the under 15 tournament. Glenalmond showcased their excellent fitness level and stick work to secure the team’s first win of the day.

Glenalmond   0 v. Loretto 0

This was a tough match for the Glenalmond U15 team. The girls were unable to capitalize on their attacking opportunities but the defence kept Loretto’s attack at bay.

Glenalmond 3 v. Fettes 0
Glenalmond faced the strong Fettes team for a third time this season and played very well.

Glenalmond 4 v. St. Leonards 0

Glenalmond went into this match with the knowledge that they were tied for first place in the tournament. The girls rose to the occasion, defeating a very strong St. Leonards team to secure their first place finish over the Loretto School.

Under 15 Roundup

Glenalmond v. St. Georges
14        -           1

The girls got off to a quick start and never looked back; at halftime the score was 8-1. Antonia Lambert ‘shut-out’ St. George’s attack in the second half and Glenalmond scored six more goals. High scorer went to Emily Hunter while notable defence was played by Mhairi Laughland and Agnes Munyoro.

Glenalmond v. Fettes
12        -     2

A poem by vice-captains Mhairi Laughland & Roseanna Eden:

‘We played very well, they didn’t play so swell. Our weaves and settles rocked, they were in for a shock. Our vicious playing caused them delaying on the goals that were soon to be won. The sun was bright and shining as Rose ran like lightning. Justine, the captain, showed us how it’s done. Emily the faller was the main scorer. The defence was so strong they couldn’t put a foot wrong.’

Glenalmond v. Loretto
6        -     1

This was a challenging and aggressive match for the U15A XII. Glenalmond got off to a very slow start and conceded a goal early in the match. The girls rallied in the second half to gain a significant lead over Loretto. Though it was not their best match, Glenalmond came out on top.

Glenalmond v. Loretto
7        -      1

Glenalmond came out ready and eager to play against Loretto’s aggressive U15A squad. There was a true sense of team spirit and excitement both on and off the pitch. With many supporters cheering them on, the Glenalmond girls dominated play and showcased their fantastic speed and stickwork.

Mhairi Laughland and Roseanna Eden were selected as players of the match for their determination, grit, and midfield transitions. Their presence dictated the match and team performance overall.

Glenalmond v. St. George’s
9       -        0

This was by far the best performance by Glenalmond’s U15A XII. Coming off great results at the National Tournament, the girls exhibited a higher level of play than ever before. Their catching, passing, field vision and communication were exceptional. Glenalmond’s under-15 team played at a level characteristic of teams much beyond their years. They truly played to their potential. The most significant difference in this match was the teamwork involved in winning; each girl made mistakes but her team helped compensate and recover from them.

Solid performances were certainly had by all. Marked performances were those of Sheila Mill, Ellie Headon, Justine Cumming and Emily Hunter. All four of these girls showed a distinct improvement in their individual game. Sheila Mill with her catching and passing selection, Ellie Headon with her offensive role, Justine Cumming with her confidence and midfield transitions, and Emily Hunter with her poise and catching.

The victory at St. George’s was an appropriate close to a fantastic season. Well done to the girls.

		Small Schools Qualifying Tournament Casterton 3 Feb 2008 After a difficult start to the beginning of the season with weather and a lack of practice time working against us, the 1st XII team set off for Yorkshire on the Saturday and stopped to play St. George's in Edinburgh en route. The girls were on form and won 20-1, top scorer Libby Nicol with 5 goals, but it was a true team effort. Confidence bolstered, we took the road to Kendal, had a good meal at an Italian restaurant and a comfortable night at the Travel Lodge. Thankfully Sunday was dry and the pitches at Casterton stood up well to 10 schools playing all day on 2 pitches. The tournament was run in two sections. We played: Birkenhead (W 10-0, Lydia 4 goals), Sedbergh (W 9-0, Hannah 3 goals), Casterton (W 6-0, Lydia 3 goals), and Queens (W 4-1). We were top points scorer in the competition and played Queens again in the semi and won 3-0 in a tight match. It was decided not to play a final against Loretto because 2 schools qualify for the Small Schools tournament, but I believe we secured our winning position when we played Loretto on Tuesday 5 Feb and beat them convincingly 19-2 (Hannah 9 goals) in a superb performance by the whole team. Sue Maclean
		Lacrosse match U15A’s 6 - Loretto 3 After another quick warm up we started the match positively, well aware that we were playing ‘the team to beat’ of the season. We also knew that we were capable of beating them as we had drawn with them at their own tournament. They were quick to get a goal in though and we were a little disappointed. The ball was up at our attacking end for quite a bit of time but we weren’t managing to put it in the goal. Henny managed to get a nice goal around half way through the first half. Loretto then got another goal. By half time the score was 2-1. At half time Anita gave us a bit of a wake-up call as a team talk which got us all into gear and starting to engage more as a team. We went into the second half ready to attack. Anita was also more strict about the shooting space rule that managed to get us three hashes, all of which we scored from. This got our team onto a bit more of a high. Loretto were failing to get the ball down their end and we scored four goals in succession. Annabel, Chelsea and Hattie scored from a hash. Loretto did a few runs up the pitch but Caroline saved all but one of them in the second half. With one more goal from our team the final score was 6-3 to our great excitement. Caroline, our goalie was made man of the match because of her great saves under immense pressure. Well done everyone – a fantastic result.
		Lacrosse match – U15A’s 9 - St. Georges 2 We arrived in the snow and rain and were surprised to find there were no boundaries on their lacrosse pitch, which was more commonly used for hockey. After a quick warm up we were straight on. St. Georges were quick to get a goal in before we were really warmed up but then we got going and the goals started coming quickly. Hattie’s centre draws were strong with Charlotte catching most of them. St. Georges managed to get another goal in the first half but we weren’t put back. Chelsea, Hattie, Charlotte and Henny all scored once or twice in the second half, getting us to a score of 7-1 by half time. We were moving the ball up the field well but our passing around the goal wasn’t great, so in the second half we aimed to practise our tactic ‘zero’ rather than focus on scoring goals. Unfortunately everyone took this to the extreme and there were very few shots at goal in the second half but we began to pass and catch more easily. We did manage to put 2 goals in though. Leaving the final score at 9-2. We felt that this was a fair score without seeming like bad sportswomen. The midfield worked well together at double teaming and tackling the ball off the opposition. For our next match we need to work on our passing and catching around the goal and we are aiming to improve our ‘zero’ and also our defence tactics. Well played everyone, a good effort. Captain of U15A’s lacrosse: Emily Townsend Vice Captain : Henny Dracup
	The 2nd XII @ Loretto	Lacrosse Open Schools Tournament at Loretto Won 3 Drew 2 Lost 1 (Semi-finals) Glenalmond goals first 2nd XII v Ampleforth Half time: 2-0 Full time: 4-2 Goals were scored by Lily Brown 2, Emily Hunter 1 and Vanessa Rettie 1. Player of the match - Lily Brown 2nd XII v Fettes Half time: 1-0 Full time: 2-0 Goals were scored by Charlotte Dracup 1 and Emily Hunter 1. Player of the match - Teri Frew 2nd XII v St George's Half time: 2-0 Full time: 2-0 Goals were scored by Emily Hunter 2. Player of the match - Emily Hunter. 2nd XII v St Albans Half time: 2-1 Full time: 3-3 Goals were scored by Emily Hunter 1, Lily Brown 2. Player of the match - Sheila Mill. 2nd XII v Abbots Hill Half time: 2-1 Full time: 3-3 Goals were scored by Emily Hunter 2 and Amelia Conley 1. Player of the match - Izzy Rankin. 2nd XII v Queen Margaret's (Semi-finals) Half time: 1-1 Full time: 1-2 Goal was scored by Charlotte Dracup. Player of the match - Charlotte Dracup. The 2nd XII played excellent lacrosse throughout the day and with each game we focussed on improving some of our weaknesses, but also built on our strong points. It was extremely satisfying performing at such high standards against especially the English schools, who have had one term of lacrosse already. I am very proud of the team, not only for going through to the semi-finals, but also for just losing one match and that against Queen Margaret’s (the tournament winners). Well done to the girls for a fantastic performance at this tournament and for a promising and exciting start to this season. Congratulations to all the players of the matches, but I would like to congratulate Emily Hunter especially for being our player of the tournament. A big thank you should also go to Anita Rackovan for umpiring all our matches.
	Glenalmond v Moreton Hall Lacrosse fixture	Taken at the recent fixture v Moreton Hall.
	The game starts at Sherborne (Click for bigger version) Just a trick of the angle! (Click for bigger version)	National Schools Tournament, hosted by Sherborne School for Girls The National Schools Tournament represents Britain’s most elite competition with a total of 42 teams competing for the national title. The Glenalmond U15 XII benefited on various levels by participating in the tournament; namely, they gained confidence, stamina and a greater understanding of lacrosse in the national context. The experience was a positive one, not in the least because of match results. Glenalmond finished the tournament with three wins, two losses and one draw to place them 4th in their section amongst Stowe, Queen Margaret’s York, Berkhamsted, Bolton, Westonbirt, and St. Barts. Outstanding performance and progress was executed by all. Performance of particular note was that of Roseanna Eden, vice captain, who led the team from her position at center. Roseanna was Glenalmond’s player of the tournament and Emily Hunter was high-goal scorer. Lottie Cameron played excellent defence, causing multiple turnovers and interceptions, initiating offensive opportunities and showcasing her tremendous endurance. Junior Tournament, hosted by St. Leonards School Tournament Winner: Glenalmond U15A Player of the tournament: Lottie Cameron *Glenalmond 4 v. St. George’s 0* This game was a solid opener for the under 15 tournament. Glenalmond showcased their excellent fitness level and stick work to secure the team’s first win of the day. *Glenalmond 0 v. Loretto 0* This was a tough match for the Glenalmond U15 team. The girls were unable to capitalize on their attacking opportunities but the defence kept Loretto’s attack at bay. *Glenalmond 3 v. Fettes 0* Glenalmond faced the strong Fettes team for a third time this season and played very well. *Glenalmond 4 v. St. Leonards 0* Glenalmond went into this match with the knowledge that they were tied for first place in the tournament. The girls rose to the occasion, defeating a very strong St. Leonards team to secure their first place finish over the Loretto School. Under 15 Roundup Glenalmond v. St. Georges 14 - 1 The girls got off to a quick start and never looked back; at halftime the score was 8-1. Antonia Lambert ‘shut-out’ St. George’s attack in the second half and Glenalmond scored six more goals. High scorer went to Emily Hunter while notable defence was played by Mhairi Laughland and Agnes Munyoro. Glenalmond v. Fettes 12 - 2 A poem by vice-captains Mhairi Laughland & Roseanna Eden: ‘We played very well, they didn’t play so swell. Our weaves and settles rocked, they were in for a shock. Our vicious playing caused them delaying on the goals that were soon to be won. The sun was bright and shining as Rose ran like lightning. Justine, the captain, showed us how it’s done. Emily the faller was the main scorer. The defence was so strong they couldn’t put a foot wrong.’ Glenalmond v. Loretto 6 - 1 This was a challenging and aggressive match for the U15A XII. Glenalmond got off to a very slow start and conceded a goal early in the match. The girls rallied in the second half to gain a significant lead over Loretto. Though it was not their best match, Glenalmond came out on top. Glenalmond v. Loretto 7 - 1 Glenalmond came out ready and eager to play against Loretto’s aggressive U15A squad. There was a true sense of team spirit and excitement both on and off the pitch. With many supporters cheering them on, the Glenalmond girls dominated play and showcased their fantastic speed and stickwork. Mhairi Laughland and Roseanna Eden were selected as players of the match for their determination, grit, and midfield transitions. Their presence dictated the match and team performance overall. Glenalmond v. St. George’s 9 - 0 This was by far the best performance by Glenalmond’s U15A XII. Coming off great results at the National Tournament, the girls exhibited a higher level of play than ever before. Their catching, passing, field vision and communication were exceptional. Glenalmond’s under-15 team played at a level characteristic of teams much beyond their years. They truly played to their potential. The most significant difference in this match was the teamwork involved in winning; each girl made mistakes but her team helped compensate and recover from them. Solid performances were certainly had by all. Marked performances were those of Sheila Mill, Ellie Headon, Justine Cumming and Emily Hunter. All four of these girls showed a distinct improvement in their individual game. Sheila Mill with her catching and passing selection, Ellie Headon with her offensive role, Justine Cumming with her confidence and midfield transitions, and Emily Hunter with her poise and catching. The victory at St. George’s was an appropriate close to a fantastic season. Well done to the girls.

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