U16s and U18s progress to national showcases
Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding hockey programme has secured a plethora of national titles in recent years. The school is also proud to have developed many international-calibre players such as current Wales U18 squad member and Year 13 pupil Alex Starling.
This is down to their exceptional commitment and development under the school’s coaching staff led by Mr Dan Rippon, who provides expert advice and encouragement to ensure Rydal Penrhos’ aspiring players reach or exceed their goals.
The U16 and U18 boys’ hockey squads began their quest for more recognition at the national level later this year by participating in two qualifying fixtures against Ysgol Eirias, which took place on the school’s Astro surface.
It was the U16s first up on a glorious afternoon for hockey. A tense affair saw both sides miss chances en route to a 0-0 stalemate at full-time, which led to a penalty flick shoot-out between both sides to determine who advanced.
Rydal Penrhos managed to hold their nerve to secure a dramatic 3-2 triumph and they will now progress to the national semi-finals in Newtown next month.
The U18 encounter against Eirias was another hard-fought affair that was end-to-end. Rydal Penrhos’ attacking prowess was on full display to attain a 3-2 victory that puts them in the Welsh Schools’ Championships held in Cardiff next March.
This swiftly followed the recent success of the girls’ U18 hockey side, who also clinched their place in the national semi-finals by coming through their regional heat in fine style.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate our U16 and U18 boys’ hockey teams on their efforts and the staff that guided them positively throughout. We wish you all the best in the Welsh semis and finals in the coming months.