Horsham Under 18 Girls' Hockey team wins national plate

Having beaten Clifton and Trojans (last year's champions) to get to the finals, Horsham travelled to Sheffield together the day before to take a look at the pitch and surroundings.

They performed as a united team backing one another up, playing great quality hockey. They delighted the crowd of spectators.

The first goal came from a short corner - Jess Dean had a strike from the left slip that no one could have stopped. This was the first of a hat trick for Dean she was in cracking form.

Half time Horsham were 2-0 up. Coaches Jo and Brian Humphreys told the girls they must not slack and keep the pressure on; keep the ball speed rate up as hard as possible. They responded with three more goals: Issy Gibson and Lily Haynes scoring one a-piece. The crowd again were on their feet with excitement it was the best 45 minutes hockey this year.

The defence were so strong they rarely let the ball through, as were the midfield who closed the game down.

Horsham looked the best team and the silver Plate was Horsham's to keep.

Horsham Hockey Club has had an amazing year with two teams in National finals and the younger teams coming up qualifying to represent Sussex in the South, putting the club in a good position for the future,