Guildford gained the Under 13 National Schools crown on the final day of competition at the 2024 Championships.

They edged past Downe House School 4-3 in a close final to cap off an impressive day’s lacrosse in less than ideal conditions.

Despite the early rain and winds, Guildford were in the goals right the way through the morning pool stage setting a +21 goal difference, finishing top of the group and undefeated.

Wins against Moreton Hall (7-2), Westonbirt (3-2), St Helen & St Katharine (8-1), and Caterham (7-0), alongside a 4-4 draw with St Paul’s put the Surrey school in pole position to be competing for silverware come the end of the day.

However, they were really tested throughout the knockout stages and were made to work hard to move through each of the following rounds.

3-2 wins against Claremont Fan Court in the quarter-final, and St Albans in the semi-final gave them the opportunity to finish the day off perfectly as they faced opposition Downe House.

The Berkshire side were almost equally as impressive during pool play, defeating Berkhamsted (2-1), Walthamstow Hall (5-0), St George’s Harpenden (3-2), and St Swithun’s (4-2), rounding off the morning’s action with a competitive 3-3 draw against Claremont Fan Court.

Again, the knockouts proved a tougher test but Downe House were still able to see off St Catherine’s and Putney High, both with 3-1 score lines.

The final was almost too close to call, but Guildford just managed to sneak it in a highly competitive final that displayed the best of school lacrosse from these youngsters.