Hockey Arnold battle through to the national final Arnold under-14s have won through to the North Final of the National Schools’ hockey competition after representing Lancashire in the regional round. They won the first match 2-0 against Silverdale School, the South Yorkshire champions, with Katie Goodacre scoring both goals. Arnold had to work hard to beat Heber School from Cheshire by the same scoreline. Lara Cherry scored the first from a penalty corner by Hannah Hesketh and Faye Shearer made the game safe with a shot into the corner. Arnold got on top in the decider against Sedburgh but could not score. They eventually ran out winners after a penalty shoot-out, which Arnold won 3-1 thanks to strikes by Holy Monteiro, Rachel Fackey and Charlotte Evans. Arnold and Altrincham G.S go on to represent the region next month. Arnold first XI beat Stonyhurst College 3-1 with goals from Georgia Perkins, Cara Smith and Sophie Oliver. Arnold 2nds lost 2-1 despite a goal by Emily Martin. In fixtures against Ripley St Thomas School from Lancaster, the first XI cruised to a 6-1 win. Rebecca Shillito and Danielle Bamber were outstanding and both scored. Also on target were Sophie Oliver (2), Natalie Smith and Honor Cam. The under-15s won 4-0 with all the goals in the first half – from Georgina Read (two), Faye Shearer and player of the match Elizabeth Thorpe. The under-14 game remained goalless despite excellent work from winger Olivia Stead An exciting under-13 game saw Arnold take the lead twice through Lydia Wright. Twice St Thomas came back but Leora Hyman snatched the winner for Arnold with five minutes to go. Sophie Calvert was the player of the match. The Under-12 team enjoyed a 3-0 win as Jessica Omassoli scored two and Emily Owens got the third. Claire Thistlethwaite was outstanding. The previous day the team had beaten Kirkham GS 2-1 after falling behind. Emily Adams equalised and Emily Owen won it with two minutes to go. The B team lost 2-1 to Kirkham, with Rosie Gillis scoring. Email us and tell us about your stories!