Talented Rydal Penrhos pupils and staff have recently played an important part in the success of their local hockey club.

On Sunday 11 November, Rydal Penrhos pupils Fflur Pierce, Lily Copeland, Charlotte Payne, and Year 6 teacher Mrs Pyves travelled down to South Wales to play for Eirias Hockey Club Ladies’ 1st XI against Welsh National League Division One side Newcastle Emlyn in the Welsh Trophy.

Against all the odds, Eirias Hockey Club pulled off an upset 1-0 victory. What made the feat even more incredible is that the team travelled with just twelve players – eight of them under the age of 17. Playing against a seasoned Welsh National League side, containing many experienced senior players, this was a memorable and impressive win.

What was delightful was that our Rydal Penrhos pupils got to play alongside Mrs Pyves, who has taught all three since they started in the Prep School some ten years ago, and is a key reason why they share a passion for hockey. Mrs Pyves, who was last year named Conwy Coach of the Year, put in a very impressive performance during the match, proving an excellent role model for our pupils as always. They will now progress to the quarterfinals, which will be played on Sunday 3 December 2023.

All four also played against Whitchurch on Saturday 10 November, with Eve Durrans, Lily Davies, and Prep School staff member Ffion Jones, daughter of Dawn Jones. They won 7-2 with both Lily and Charlotte finding the net. Unfortunately, during the course of play, Ffion suffered an injury chasing a ball at full speed trying to win back possession. We all wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Eirias Hockey Club are currently second in the North West Women’s Division 3 West, and we would like to commend our Rydal Penrhos contingent who have made an important contribution to this success. We are always immensely proud to learn about our pupil and staff’s sporting achievements and look forward to reporting on further club and national team successes in the future.