LYG GIRLS vs LYG finals

Location: Lee Valley Tennis and Hockey Centre (Home of the 2012 Olympic Games)

Squad: Ealing HC Year 8 & Year 9 Girls

Representing: The Queen of the Boroughs, Ealing

With matches capped at a lightning-fast 10 minutes, focus and tactical discipline were paramount. Ealing’s wing-halves were handed a massive shift to keep the play wide and the pressure high ensuring we had 3 up front and 3 in the midfield!

Game 1: Ealing 3 - 0 Wandsworth

A slightly sluggish start made for hard work early on, but once Jess broke the deadlock with a brilliant opening goal, Ealing found their stride. Ellie finished off a beautiful team move to double the lead, before Jess struck again to wrap up a commanding 3-0 victory.

Game 2: Ealing 4 - 0 Tower Hamlets

A tactical rotation saw Leila and Edie take over the wing-half duties, tasked with stretching the pitch and loading the D. The strategy worked flawlessly. Ealing were absolutely on fire; Leia opened the scoring with a clinical finish, followed by a sensational blitz from Ellie, who bagged a magnificent hat-trick. Four goals in just ten minutes showcased Ealing at their ruthless best.

Game 3: Ealing 0 - 0 Redbridge

Anticipated as the toughest pool match, Cleo and Betty returned to the flanks. In a masterclass of defensive discipline—reminiscent of a classic, gritty international football display—Ealing refused to be rattled. They allowed Redbridge to wear themselves out, keeping composure and playing safe, intelligent passes. A hard-fought 0-0 draw that felt like a tactical triumph.

Game 4: Ealing 2 - 0 Havering

Switching straight back into full-on attack mode for the final pool game, Ealing dictated the tempo from the whistle. The dynamic duo of Ellie and Jess found themselves back on the scoresheet, sealing a comfortable 2-0 win.

• Pool Stage Verdict: The Game 3 tactics paid off beautifully! Ealing HC topped their pool unbeaten and marched proudly into the Trophy competition.

Game 1: Ealing 0 - 1 Harrow

Ealing started on the back foot and conceded early to a sharp Harrow side. Although the girls suddenly "turned on the gas" and launched a fierce comeback, they unfortunately couldn't convert their late attacking chances, resulting in a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Note: The match was further marred by a heavy blow to Nalini, who took a nasty, unpenalised strike to her lower back. With her back spasming, she was forced to sit out the the next game meaning Edie having to fill a crucial full back role.

Game 2: Ealing 1 - 0 Richmond

Fuelled by the frustration of the Harrow defeat, Ealing came out fighting. While a slight loss of structure saw them running the ball a bit too close to the opposition keeper, Jess managed to break through and convert a crucial goal to secure a vital 1-0 win.

Game 3: Ealing 1 - 2 Lewisham

Needing a win to stay in the medal hunt, the girls showed immense fight but struggled to find their usual balanced structure. Ellie managed to find the back of the net, but Lewisham capitalised on their chances to hand Ealing a tight 2-1 loss.

Game 4: Ealing 1 - 1 Merton

Ealing rediscovered their rhythm in the final game of the day. Showing much-improved passing, Leia expertly converted a brilliant cross to put Ealing on the board, fighting hard until the final whistle for a 1-1 draw.

• Competition Final Position - 2026 London Youth Games (Trophy) -> 5th Place Overall

Ealing HC missed out on the medal games by the narrowest of margins, finishing a highly respectable 5th overall. A total of 33 local teams represent their respective communities from around London in various multi-sport championships

It was a fantastic day of high-level hockey at an iconic Olympic venue. The Year 8 and 9 girls showed immense adaptability, tactical maturity, and true Ealing grit. They learned a massive amount throughout the tournament and should be incredibly proud of their performance - the Queen of the Borough certainly is!