Ipswich School is celebrating after its under-18s girls’ hockey team were crowned national indoor champions, at Bromsgrove School, at the weekend.

In addition, the school’s under-16 boys also enjoyed success, claiming the runners-up spot in their respective competition, held at Whitgift School.

The 11-strong under-18s team won five games, losing just one pool match, to Repton. However, that defeat was avenged in the final, Ipswich beating Repton, winners for the last five years, 2-1.

In the pool matches, Ipswich defeated Queen Elizabeth School 4-0, lost to Repton 8-4, overcame Exeter School 4-0 and finished off with victory against Beaconsfield 4-3. Sir William Borlase were brushed aside 4-1 in the semi-finals, before Repton were seen off in the final.

“I’m so pleased for the girls that they reached their potential, and under incredible circumstances,” said the school’s head of hockey, Stu Field.

“Their performance improved with every game and they showed great mental strength in the final. This was tournament play at its best.”

The under-16 boys lost to Trent College in their age group final, after battling through in the last four and gaining victory over Whitgift, 3-2.

The final saw them just miss out although had a last-gasp penalty appeal been successful and then despatched, the game would have gone to a penalty shoot-out.

The school was unique in being the only one to have four teams grace this year’s indoor finals, with the under-16 girls coming fourth in their group and the under-18 boys finishing third, winning two games and losing two as well.

Field added: “We are very proud of all four of our teams that made it to the national finals and proud of their achievements at the events.”