Hockey: Kelso finish third in Scottish Schools Cup

The Kelso High School Senior XI that finished third in the Scottish Schools U18 Indoor Cup, back row, left to right: Claire Hill (coach), Izzy Kyle, Rachel Potts, Lucy Murray, Imogen Johnstone-Jones, Aimee Martin. Front: Gemma Bootman, Sophie Aitchison, Linsey Young, Kirsty Logan (capt), Lara Patterson, Tara Aitchison, Kirsty Hill (coach).

Kelso High School flew the South flag high in Perth at the weekend as they claimed memorable scalps in finishing third in the Scottish Schools Under 18s Indoor Hockey Cup.

The Borders school, which triumphed in the South tournament, knew they faced a tough challenge after being drawn in the same pool as reigning champions Craigholme and highly fancied Strathallan as the top independent schools represented the rest of Scotland.

Kelso scored twice through Lucy Murray and Aimee Martin to lead Strathallan briefly before losing out 4-2 in their opener. They fell behind to Craigholme next out but defender Rachel Potts lifted hope with a fine individual goal and penalty corners struck with real accuracy and power by Murray pushed Kelso into a 3-1 lead. Craigholme hit back in a cracking see-saw match but Kelso netted again with a fine goal by Tara Aitchison and they repelled the late Craigholme fight to clinch a semi-final spot.

There Kelso met George Watson’s College and the Borderers just lost out 5-3 in a fiercely competitive game, Murray, Imogen Johnstone-Jones and Sophie Aitchison scoring great goals for Kelso.

The Borders school then faced Robert Gordon’s College in the 3rd/4th play-off match and they dominated this match from the start with two goals from Sophie Aitchison and one each from Murray and Tara Aitchison ensuring a convincing 4-0 win to secure third spot with Strathallan beating George Watsons in the final to win overall.

The team were a credit to the Borders. They played with great determination and composure showing great maturity skills undoubtedly passed on from their coaching staff of Kirsty Hill, Mrs Kate Haldane and Claire Hill, and Director of Hockey Mary Weir.

The team hope that their performances will give their inspirational Director of Hockey Mary Weir a boost as she continues her recovery from a major heart operation.