Westholme U13 Girls Through to National Cup Quarter-Finals

The U13 girls took to the pitch once again on a rainy Monday afternoon for Round 4 of the Sisters in Sport National Cup competition, hosting Dame Allan’s School from Newcastle in what proved to be an unforgettable encounter.

The visitors started strongly, finding the goal in the first half to put Westholme under early pressure. Despite some robust and at times overly physical stick challenges from the opposition, our players showed tremendous composure. Refusing to be drawn into reacting, they stayed focused on their hockey. Poppy made several decisive saves in goal, and with the defence marking tightly and tackling confidently, the team launched numerous counter-attacks.

The half-time team talk centred on belief, unity, trusting one another’s strengths, and sticking to the structure that has brought success this season. The response in the second half was outstanding, even after the visitors struck quickly to extend their lead.

Westholme dug deep. The team rallied around and Tilly scored from a well taken rebound from a short corner attack. Renewed belief spread across the pitch, and it wasn’t long before Maria levelled the score with a composed finish, setting up a tense finale.

With just three minutes remaining, Westholme were awarded a penalty corner. Emily powered the initial strike towards goal; although the opposition goalkeeper made a fantastic save, the ball fell to Maria. Surrounded almost instantly by defenders, she battled to create space and managed another attempt. That effort was deflected again, this time falling perfectly to Imi, who reacted quickest to fire home the decisive goal.

It was a dramatic finish that spared the team the lottery of penalty flicks and secured a thrilling 3–2 victory.

This was undoubtedly the best performance the girls have delivered in terms of spirit, commitment, and most importantly skill level across the squad. Even when trailing at half-time, they kept their heads high, their tempers controlled, and their belief unwavering, demonstrating maturity, resilience, and a genuine desire to support one another.

The victory sees Westholme progress to the final eight of this national competition, a remarkable achievement for this talented and determined group.

Special thanks go to Tillie E in Year 10 for braving the rain to lead the warm-up, to Jez from CBN for umpiring and supporting the coaching, and to the fantastic parent contingent whose loud and enthusiastic support from the sidelines made all the difference.