Berkhamsted crowned Under 15 National Schools champions

Berkhamsted claimed the Under 15 National Schools Championship title after defeating Putney High 6-3 in a high-scoring final on Day 3 in Aldershot.

The Hertfordshire school were impressive all day long, winning all five group games with a +22 goal difference, and continuing that form through the knockouts to reach the top.

After a 100% record from group play, they beat Sherborne (7-0), Queen Anne’s (3-2), and Godolphin (3-2), while Putney High had a less straight-forward route to the final.

They went through against Haileybury after 2-2 draw, courtesy of the tie-break rule in which the team who score first in the match progress should the game finish all square. They then beat Guildford High 4-3 in overtime, before another 4-3 comeback win against St Swithun’s.

The final ended up as a repeat of the previous day’s U19 Championship decider in which Putney High came on top.

But Berkhamsted were determined to set things right and came racing out of the traps with a goal after just 20 seconds following a draw control and drive to goal.

Putney tied things up quickly but sustained attacking pressure from Berkhamsted throughout the majority of the first half, coupled with a yellow card for the opposition saw them move into a commanding 4-1 lead.

Putney continued to show fight getting one back just before the break, and despite Berkhamsted scoring first in the second half, they hit back again to make things 5-3 with five minutes to play.

 However, another yellow card for a dangerous shot while Putney High were pressing relieved the stress for Berkhamsted who were able to hold possession and add another when Putney started to double, and with the goalie outfield, finished into the empty net.

The clock soon ran down and Berkhamsted were able to celebrate a well-deserved victory.

Full Day 3 Winners:

Under 15A Championship Winners: Berkhamsted 6-3 Putney High
Under 15A Division 1: Lady Eleanor Holles 3-1 St George’s Harpenden
Under 15B Winners: Guildford High 2-0 St Albans High
Under 19C Winners: St Swithun’s 5-4 St Catherine’s (OT)