On Friday 12th January our 7 remaining A Team pupils competed in the Hoops4Health Finals at Sports Central, Newcastle. It was wonderful to watch the North Stand of Sport Central steadily filling up with 50 excited families and friends from Stanhope. This was an good community effort, getting behind the team in a big finals event! Our players were really motivated to play in front of so much support, and give their very best.
The Stanhope team took to the court for the second semi-final against St. Bede’s RC S/S, the defending champions. We immediately started positively, as we passed the ball around confidently. A flowing team move saw us nearly take an early lead with Charlie Bates taking a fine long range effort. This was met by a fantastic roar from the Stanhope support! We sadly couldn’t build on this lead and after much pressure from St. Bede’s, we resisted conceding a basket and rounded out a 0-0 draw.
Therefore a shoot out was to take place, Charlie Bates and Brooke Urwin took our penalties, however they were unable to score and St. Bede’s netted 1/2 of their shots to progress to the final. A devastating way to lose out.
The final took place at half-time in the Eagles game, in a front of 3000 at Sport Central. St. Bede’s RC S/S took on East Boldon winning 8-0.
Well done to the skillful and dedicated players who had all trained outside with such commitment in the build up to the finals throughout a cold, icy and wet December. Finally, a big thank you to the outstanding school community, for your support on a memorable sporting occasion for our school. We will be back even better, more determined and stronger once again next year!