Over the years the majority of players in RGC’s Senior girls and boys teams have also developed their hockey skills at Gordonians Hockey Club, but the remarkable feature of this team is that as many as 15 of this squad of 18 are playing or coaching for our club (83%).

RGC ’s opponents in this cup final were St Columba’s School from Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire who had scored 20 goals in their four matches to get to the final. The Gordon’s girls had been equally impressive having defeated three Borders schools from Kelso, Peebles, and Selkirk.

A downpour made for tough conditions for a match which was played for the most part in midfield but both sides worked relentlessly to win the ball in all areas of the pitch. HT: 0-0

Early in the second half Robert Gordon’s College took the lead and it was a goal which was worthy of winning any cup final. As a result of some good pressure on St. Columba’s defence, Claire Jack forced a turnover from their left back and gained possession. With great skill she chipped the ball over the stick of the cover defender, and then with determination sprinted 30m with the ball. When Claire reached the circle she showed composure on the ball to slow down the defender, draw out the goalkeeper, and then spin and slot the ball into the bottom right corner. Some excellent last gasp defending by Kate Duncan denied St Columba’s a one-on-one in the closing stages, as they searched for an equaliser which never came. FT: Robert Gordon’s College 1 St. Columba’s School 0

Team Manager, Jocelyn Roberts, “It was a great day out and the girls played with passion and determination. Both Morven Begg in goal and the defensive unit of Kate Duncan, Lara Scatterty and Isabella Jones soaked up lots of pressure and showed maturity and composure throughout.” Team Coach, Craig Harper, said he was very proud of the team’s performance on what was a great day out for the girls, and he described Claire’s goal for us above.

Our congratulations go to all the girls in the squad and to their Coach, Craig Harper, our former Men’s 1st team player/coach, and their Manager, Jocelyn Roberts, a long serving club member.

Our Ladies Section members in the squad were Goalkeepers Morven Begg and Sophie Parker, Kate Duncan, Anna Warnock, Emma Christie, Lara Scatterty, Becky Sinclair, Lily Nicholls, Isabella Jones, Sophie Mellough, Daisy Wright, Helen Kavanagh, and Ava Black. Also in the squad from our Youth Section were two of our youth coaches Claire Jack and Lucy Hasler.

Photo: The victorious RGC squad with captain Kate Duncan holding the Scottish Schools Senior Girls Challenge Cup