SAINT Andrews’ School, Buckland Monachorum, U11s boys hockey team can take great pride from their performance at the West of England Schools hockey finals.

The finals were played at Millfield School in Somerset and St Andrew’s were the only state side taking part. The side, which included both Annie and Megan Woock, performed incredibly well progressing to play in the semi final and only going out in the end on penalties.

They on five out of their six group matches with some excellent defending and great midfield and forward play. A superb all round team effort.

They beat The Downs Malvern 1-0; lost to Taunton Prep School 1-2; beat Bristol Grammar 1-0; beat St Hilary School, Penzance 1-0; beat Sherborne Prep 3-1 and Richard Pate, Cheltenham 1-0. In the semi-final they drew with Dean Close Prep, Cheltenham, but lost 3-2 on penalties

Phil Harvey, the headteacher of St Andrew’s said how proud he was with the team progressing in a national tournament.

He added: ‘We were the only state school there after coming runners up in the Devon Championships, and to progress to the semi final was a phenomenal effort by all of the team.’