Queenswood 1st XI were joined in early September by their new coach, Head of Hockey, Mark Menear.  Mark has had a long and successful coaching and playing career. After five years playing National League Hockey he coached throughout the single system and with Coopers’ Coborn School. At Coopers’ Mark’s proudest moment was winning the U16 National Indoor finals. Mark is an England Centrally Contracted Coach and Coach Educator. He has played a significant role in the England Single System from County to Futures Cup.

Mark and the squad hit the ground running with pre-season training followed by the St George’s sixes, the Birley’s invitation tournament, the first round of the National Independent Schools Cup and the Hertfordshire round of the EHB Schools.  The team has started to gel gaining some impressive results: a  4-0 win against King’s Canterbury, a draw with Framlingham and an exciting 3-2 win over New Hall in the National Independent Schools Knockout.

East of England Championships Qualification

This week saw a great performance from the team at the Herts County Round of the EHB schools competition. Unbeaten in the pool matches they went through as runners-up on goal difference to meet a strong Bishops Stortford side in the semi-final.  The semi was a physical match in which the Q team maintained control but only managed the one goal (a great individual effort from Jess Hurley). The final saw Q face long term rivals Haileybury; having already drawn 1-1 in the earlier pool matches we were set for a close, nerve-racking final! 

An impressive start saw Q dominate the first 10 minutes; unfortunately despite penalty corners and chances we could not convert.  The second half saw the team struggle to maintain momentum; the toll of the tough semi was evident.  However, the team (led by captain Lucy Fishpool) continued to create chances. Player of the tournament Catryn Langley (U18 Welsh International) frustrated the Haileybury attack and the Q team pulled together to play some excellent hockey.

We were hoping to take the trophy for the tenth year running but it was not to be. Nonetheless, winning 20 titles out of the last 24 is pretty good!  The girls are delighted to have been placed runners-up as this qualifies them to play at the East Championships on October 11.

Coach Mark Menear said ‘I am very excited about this dynamic set of players. We have high hopes this season, in both indoor and outdoor competitions.  A great start ­– after three weeks the progress has been incredible.  We have a strong mix of experienced and young players who are yet to show all they can do!’

Director of Sport and 1st XI Manager Jo Wakeley is delighted with the start of the season. ‘Mark is a great addition to the department. The future of Queenswood Hockey is in very strong hands. Mark is passionate, knowledgeable and experienced. He has fitted in well, embracing our ethos of Sport for All, working hard and achieving your best.  We look forward to continuing Queenswood’s long tradition of participation and success in Hockey. Well done to all the 1st XI squad on a great start to the season.’  

First XI Squad

• Lucy Fishpool (capt)
• Maddy Davies (v capt)
• Lucy Wakeley
• Isobel Beynon
• Amelia Brown
• Olivia Baines
• Chloe Munro
• Catryn Langley
• Charlotte Christodulides
• Emma Kelly
• Gabriella Murray Panayiotou
• Marina Baldwin
• Milly Davies
• Jessica Hurley
• Sophie Bould
• Georgina Seaman