Crowned National Schools Lacrosse Champions

Moreton Senior Sport

Read All About It: Stunning Lacrosse Success for Moreton Hall’s Team at the National Schools Lacrosse Championships

After an extraordinary four days of play at the National Schools Lacrosse, Moreton Hall not only brought home the top trophy, but also demonstrated why all of the Moreton Hall teams from U13 to U19 deserve to be celebrated as the Queens of the North.

Moreton Hall First Lacrosse Team Crowned National Champions:

Six Nations Rugby players may have locked heads in the mud the weekend of the 16 and 17 March in pursuit of glory, but at the National Schools Lacrosse Championships in Aldershot, it was sticks which were raised in battle and after a gruelling weekend of matches between the finest young Lacrosse players in the country, it was Moreton Hall school, near Oswestry, who brought home the coveted National Schools Lacrosse Champions Cup.

Although one of the smallest schools in the competition, Moreton Hall’s reputation in Lacrosse is undisputed. With a number of English and Welsh U19 players in the squad, at last year’s Nationals in which they were the runners up, Moreton Hall players were dubbed The Queens of the North. However, this year, second place simply would not do and Moreton Hall’s U19A team brought home the national prize.

Writing on their website the National Schools Lacrosse said: “The Shropshire school went one better than last year’s second place by recovering from going behind early in the final to win 4-3 in a pulsating contest to seal a memorable victory for the players and their supporters.”

Cheering on the sidelines, Moreton parent Heather Pickering said: “I think we will be celebrating this historic achievement for a long time following a weekend with many heart-in-mouth moments. The girls knew there would be some very tough matches against schools with umpteen subs, coaches and even physios. But our girls went out there keeping their eyes on the prize, with some fabulous tactics up their sleeves and got the job done”

Watching every nail biting minute, Principal Michael Brewer commented: “What an event, what an outcome! This was a victory many years in the making: a tribute to the expertise of our coaching staff, the talent and tenacity of our girls, and the unwavering support of the families that have cheered from the sidelines hour after hour in all weather conditions.”

Head Coach Carina Walsh said: “I can’t put into words what this means for the players, the staff, and this school. We are a small school from the North and have achieved the ultimate prize.”

Acting Director of Sport: Stuart Penrose agreed: “I don’t think this will sink in for a long time. My words to the team expressed that their name will be forever etched in the history books, and no one can ever take that accolade away from them.”

U19A Captains Emma and Karina are still on cloud nine: “Winning Nationals 2024 has been a dream come true. One of the best feelings in the world is when you accomplish something you’ve worked so hard for. The moment was surreal; no words can describe how it felt in that moment to lift the trophy with cheers from our friends and family. The feeling of pride was a testament to the countless hours of dedication and training put in, both by our team and our amazing coaches. The memories made will stay for us forever.”

Moreton Hall English teacher, Sarah Thomas watched with her Old Moretonian daughter Georgia, who as one of last year’s finalists had travelled from Edinburgh to cheer on the team. Revelling in the history of the moment, Sarah enthused: “The Queens of the North finally claimed their crown. The heart and bravery with which they defeated so many of Southern giants was testament to a long acknowledged truth of Moreton sport: size is no match for spirit.”

For the first Lacrosse Captains, Emma and Karina, winning the Nationals was a once in a lifetime moment and one which recognises the commitment and passion the team and their coaches have invested over the years. Emma has been playing Lacrosse for Moreton Hall since Year 3 and Karina since she joined the Moreton Sixth just 18 months ago. Here, they share their memories of a very special weekend.

For Head of Lacrosse, Carina Walsh, the 19A victory is going to take quite some time to sink in but a week on. She shares her reflections on this magic moment in time, here.

Moreton Hall first Lacrosse players were not the only U19s to put in a stunning performance. The second team were equally impressive with a performance that saw them also make it through to the knockouts in their tournament. Captains Evie and Ruby reflect on their journey.

“Nationals was such a great experience for the second Lacrosse team, not only because we played extremely well as a team but also because of the lovely vibes all round. We played really well on both days, making it through to the knockouts, and we were so proud of what we achieved. Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, the final stages of our competition were cancelled but as Captains we just want to say how proud we are of our girls for the way they put this disappointment behind them, instead pouring all of our remaining energy into cheering the first Lacrosse team through to their victory. On behalf of the team, we want to say a massive thank you to our amazing coaches Mrs Lewin and Mrs Walsh, well done to everyone who played, and we’re looking forward to next year’s Nationals.”

To read about the U15s and U13s equally inspiring Lacrosse matches, please click below.