Team Upton will represent Thanet in yet another Kent sporting tournament – this time it is hockey.
The upper school squad faced stiff competition in the annual district competition and were buoyed by a determined performance by the lower school side who finished third in their tournament a week earlier.
Upton began in a group of strong schools, including Ramsgate Arts Primary School, Holy Trinity and St Peter’s.
Upton started strongly with an impressive 2-1 victory over Holy Trinity in a close-fought contest. The next game against St Peter’s ended in an entirely unexpected result, an 8-0 win for Upton.
As the side began to find top gear the players enjoyed two more comfortable wins against Newington and Palm Bay, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.
Upton were well on their way to a top two finish, although RAPS produced a thrilling challenge. Upton needed a draw to reach the final although nerves were on edge after going in 0-1 down at half time. However, spirits were raised when George May netted the equaliser which was enough to take Upton into the final.
In the final Garlinge started off strongly, taking a 1-0 advantage into the second half of the match. Although Upton lost one of their key defenders Lydia Jones with an injured hand, the side rallied with Sophie Godwin scoring an equaliser and Joe Walters popping in the winner.
Deputy Head of School Dave Walker said: “It was a thrilling tournament and a hard-fought victory which means Upton again has the honour of representing Thanet at the Kent Schools Games Finals later in the year. The team has been extremely well-drilled by Mr Coleman and Ms Barratt and the hard work in training certainly paid off, particularly in the final. Well done to all the players and the coaching team.”