Good result for First XV rugby side Hockey Stars shine for Eirias HC
The level of progress shown by Rydal Penrhos’ first XV rugby side throughout their current campaign has been nothing short of outstanding.
It’s been a busy term of fixtures for the squad, who’ve acquitted themselves extremely well in the face of high-quality opposition across North Wales and the North West to continue their exceptional development.
Head of Rugby Ryan Kirby is working tirelessly with the team during coaching sessions and pupils are also benefitting from a superb conditioning programme within the school’s Fitness Suite, which was refurbished recently and provides a safe area to enhance physical performance.
Another tough test awaited Rydal Penrhos when they visited Oswestry School last weekend. However, a fine display of discipline rugby and teamwork enabled the squad to come through the challenge with flying colours en route to a convincing victory on their travels.
It was a collective effort in all phases as Rydal Penrhos secured a 37-7 triumph. The defensive organisation was a notable element of their overall performance, with plenty of attacking flair thrown in for good measure during a very worthwhile day at the office.
This was another confidence-boosting result. One that is sure to stand the team in good stead upon returning from their well-deserved Christmas break.
Hockey is thriving across all age groups at Rydal Penrhos. Many school sides have already qualified for the next stage of their respective quests for national recognition in the coming months, with pupils also gaining additional experience for club teams across the region with similar success.
One of the biggest examples of this comes within Eirias Hockey Club, which has a strong connection with Rydal Penrhos. Youth sides are coached by Prep School teacher Jude Pyves, with a number of pupils progressing through various age grades and in Alex Starling’s case, into the men’s senior squad.
There was further cause for celebration as four aspiring stars assisted Eirias Hockey Club U16s to yet another North Wales title following an unbeaten qualifying effort in Pwllheli.
Fflur Pierce, Keira Luke, Lily Copeland and Charlotte Payne played a significant role in the team’s success. Libby Thomas – the daughter of Assistant Principal Mr Andy Thomas – captained the squad.
Eirias Hockey Club began the day with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Pwllheli, which was swiftly followed by a 3-0 triumph over Caernarfon 2nds and a 3-1 victory versus Bangor.
With Caernarfon 1sts also unbeaten through three contests, the onus was on Eirias Hockey Club to continue their momentum against Ruthin. Something they managed to accomplish thanks to a narrow 1-0 success after Lily made one chance count in fine fashion.
This set things up for a final game showdown with Caernarfon to see who secured bragging rights. A gutsy effort from Eirias Hockey Club saw them prevail 2-0 and book their place in the next stage of the competition.
Eirias Hockey Club will now progress to the Welsh U16 semi-finals on Sunday 15 January 2023 in Newtown. If they are successful, then the national finals in Swansea await.