HOCKEY players are celebrating a hat-trick after winning area tournaments at three different age groups.
Girls from Ripon Grammar School won at U18, U16 and U14 level, which qualified them all to go forward to county competitions. The U14 squad have gone on to qualify for the North East round.
The school was one of around eight taking part in each age group in the area tournament, but one of only two state schools.
As well as their team success, star U16 player Lucy Williams has been selected to the North of England high performance assessment camp (HiPAC) where she will develop her game with the Pennine Pumas.
The HiPAC aims to give players in the U15 and U17 age groups first-hand experience of an international training camp environment, in preparation for potential future involvement in a National Age Group Squad (NAGS).
Siobhan Gilfillan, head of girls' PE at Ripon Grammar School, said facilities at the school supported the players' dedication.
"We do have excellent all-weather facilities but it's also down to the commitment of the girls and their willingness to practise. We have formed strong links with Thirsk Hockey Club, and we always aim to turn out teams to compete in these competitions, which help to build the players' confidence and skill levels," she said.
