For the second time in three years, Oxford Hockey Club’s U16 Girls have been crowned National Champions. Oxford travelled to the Nottingham Hockey Centre on Sunday 12th April for the England Hockey Junior Finals weekend and, in a thrilling final, beat East Grinstead 5–1. The win capped a remarkable season, including away victories at Cheltenham and Saffron Walden, and a nail-biting semi-final win over previous finalists Khalsa Leamington.

In a highly anticipated final, East Grinstead started strongly and applied early pressure. Oxford weathered the opening spell, played their way back into the game, and created several chances midway through the first half. With 10 minutes to go until half-time, Oxford won another penalty corner. Captain Audrey Lyon collected the rebound after a fine save and struck an unstoppable shot to put Oxford 1–0 up.

Five minutes later, Oxford doubled their lead from a quick break. Theadora Yap’s precise pass found Emily Deakin midway inside the East Grinstead half and, after beating the final defender, Emily kept a cool head to round the goalkeeper and make it 2–0 just before half-time.

East Grinstead began the second half as the stronger side, but Oxford absorbed the pressure and extended the lead to 3–0 from another well-worked set piece, with Audrey Lyon scoring her second with a clinical strike.

Midway through the second half, Oxford added a fourth when Emily Deakin doubled her tally, reacting quickest to a rebound after another excellent save from the East Grinstead goalkeeper. East Grinstead pulled one back from a well-organised penalty corner routine to make it 4–1.

With 10 minutes remaining, Oxford rounded off a superb performance. After winning another penalty corner, Elsie Eames made it 5–1 with a powerful first-time strike from the left of the D.

“This success reflects the dedication and commitment of the U16 Girls throughout the season,” said Jon Darnell, Director of Junior Hockey at Oxford Hockey Club. “Their hard work, passion and teamwork have delivered a well-deserved National Championship. Winning a second title in three years not only highlights the talent of our players, but also the unwavering support of our coaches, families and supporters.”

“We are immensely proud of our U16 Girls for securing the National Championship,” said David Whittingham, Chair of Oxford Hockey Club. “Their journey has been defined by hard work, dedication and determination. A second national title in three years is testament to the club’s commitment to excellence and to developing young talent.”