An article from the first ever National Schools Championships in 1944 has been found in the archives at St George’s School, Hertfordshire, who also hosted the tournament that year.
The document outlines the St George’s 1st XII results from the tournament and offers a critique of each player in a particularly no-nonsense fashion.
For instance, A. Saunders, who played Defence Wing, is said to have “not very accurate” passing while J. Burgin (Attack Wing) “needs more practice and concentration”.
It’s not all bad though with B. Whiteley (Defence Wing) being hailed as “very useful. Her stickwork is good on the whole” while M. Retinger (Centre) had “a good understanding of the game”.
The winners of the inaugural National Schools Championships, according to the article, were Bedford Physical Training College who defeated St Mary’s, Calne, in the final.
St Mary’s still play lacrosse and took part in last year’s National Schools Championships while Bedford Physical Training College merged with Bedford College of Physical Education in 1976, and became a part of De Montfort University in 1994, before finally being merged with the University of Luton in 2006 to create the University of Bedfordshire.
This newly found document is an informative, if a little humorous, piece of lacrosse history that gives us a sense of just how long lacrosse has been a part of inter-school competition in England.
The National Schools Championships, now in its 76th year, takes place every year in its now permanent home at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre.
Current holders of the trophy, and winners of the 2019 competition, Berkhamsted School will look to retain the title when the 2020 Championships take place between 29 February and 3 March.
See the full document below:
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