National Schools lacrosse sees St Bart’s School in Newbury battle it out with the best

The senior lacrosse team at a Newbury school battled it out with the best in the country at a recent national competition.

St Bartholomew’s School was one of only two state school teams to enter the U19A National Schools Lacrosse Tournament, one of the highlights of the national lacrosse calendar.

The squad of 17 girls, ranging from year 10 to year 13, played with “skill, determination and teamwork against some of the best school lacrosse teams in the country”.

The event was held over two days – March 8 and March 9 – at the Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre.

The team, who all train and compete for Newbury-based Phoenix Lacrosse Club outside of school, had a strong day one, facing a mix of challenging opposition.

“With excellent play they finished the day with two wins, two losses and one draw,” the coaches said.

“This performance secured a well-earned place in Division One for the second day of the competition.

“Competing at the highest level, we faced tough matches against Fettes and Benenden, narrowly losing 1-0 and 3-2 respectively.

“Despite these results, the team showed resilience and tactical discipline, earning a spot in the last 16.”

In the knockout round, St Bart’s took an early lead against a very strong Putney side, demonstrating great teamwork and attacking play.

However, in a tense and hard-fought contest, Putney managed to turn the game around in the final minutes, with the Newbury team eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat.

“Throughout the tournament, the team was led by excellent captaincy from India Duly and Sophie Livingstone, who both showed outstanding leadership, composure and determination on and off the field,” the coaching team added.

“Thank you to all those involved for two amazing days of Lacrosse.”

The team was made up of Alice Johnstone, Annabel Maclean, Bethany Maclean, Charlotte McDonald, Clara Horwood, Chloe Barlow, Ellie Upton, Francesca Parsons, Hannah Bosley, Imogen Duly, Imogen Moon, India Duly, Izzy John, Jo Winchester, Katya Burgess, Matilda Russell and Sophie Livingstone.

For some girls it was the finale to a successful seven years of lacrosse, which has seen many of them playing in England and Wales pathways.

Many of them plan to now continue their sport at university, while the younger team members have their sights firmly set on the national schools competition next year.

This year’s overall U19 title went on to be won by Queen Anne’s Caversham.