A PREPARATORY School hockey side proved once again that age is no barrier on their way to securing a national title.

Rydal Penrhos’ U11 squad travelled to Newtown on Thursday, May 9, where they took their place in the Welsh U12 National Plate Finals.

They booked their place at the showcase by winning the North Wales regional event, and a resolute defensive display to emerge with a 0-0 draw against Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron.

The Rydal Penrhos side followed this up with a dominant display in their 3-0 victory over Penyrheol Comprehensive School, and the squad continued their positive momentum with another 1-0 triumph at the expense of Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn.

This was followed by another superb all-round display in their 3-0 success over Whitchurch School, before battling hard to extend their unbeaten streak with a 1-1 draw against St John Girls’ School.

Their final contest saw Rydal Penrhos take on Llanishen High School, and they turned in another fantastic display to secure a 3-0 victory to secure the coveted silverware on the national stage.

It proved to be another exceptional overall display from the squad, who scored 11 and conceded playing a year above their required age bracket, with two U10 players also contributing significantly throughout.

Prep School Head Alison Hind, said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement and one that everyone at Rydal Penrhos is enormously proud of.

“For them to secure so many accolades against older and more experienced opposition is a testament to how well they have all worked both individually and as a group, with Jude Pyves developing their skills considerably to help them reach their goals.”