A TALENTED Preparatory School hockey side continued to defy their age to book their place at a national event.

The U11 squad at Rydal Penrhos took part in the North Wales Schools’ U12 Championship, where they were competing in the Plate section of the event despite winning the Conwy heat prior to the tournament.

This is due to age restrictions implemented by Hockey Wales in relation to the competition.

The squad demonstrated their class throughout the showcase, achieving a series of impressive results to get their hands on the trophy and book their place at the National Plate Championships later this year.

There were a host of outstanding displays throughout the tournament, with the clinical finishing of Gracie Tavernor, Lily Copeland, Charlotte Payne and Keira Luke prominent features behind their overall success.

Pippa Roberts and Fflur Pierce did a tremendous job of controlling the tempo in midfielder, with Grace Watkins, Freya Berklay and goalkeeper Sophie Edwards providing a formidable presence at the back.

Alison Hind, head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, said: “For our U11 squad to consistently perform so well one year, and in Charlotte and Lily’s case, two years above the necessary age bracket in such a competitive competition is a testament to how well prepared they were and their ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage.

“This bodes enormously well for the national plate finals later this year and everyone at Rydal Penrhos is absolutely thrilled for them all.”