Ilkley Grammar School's first XI hockey team have won the Under-18 Bradford Schools' championship title. The first XI hockey tournament began with a tough match against Bingley but an excellent performance from Rosie Townsley at the heart of the defence gave Ilkley the platform on which to build and a period of sustained pressure resulted in the only goal of the game, a short corner strike from Emma Tweddle.

The first points tucked securely under their belts gave Ilkley the confidence to go out and play a much better passing game in the second match and only good saves by the South Craven goalie kept out shots from the front three of Newman, Kyle and Brown.

A subtle change of tactics in the third match resulted in a much more attacking style of play and although Thornton tackled hard, they were unable to keep out two clean strikes by Tweddle and a third by winger Catherine Brown, to end a 3-0 victory.

Now through to the semi-final stage, the tension within the team began to mount as they took on new opponents Rhodesway. A lapse in concentration allowed Rhodesway to score the first goal but the defence of Claire Robinson, Liz Walker and Charlotte Newton never looked troubled again after reorganisation by sweeper Judith Lee.

Ilkley hit back with Tweddle's fourth goal of the tournament, following a clever move insitigated by Ann Newman and then went ahead with Brown again the scorer.

Ilkley went on to dominate the remainder of the game but impressive defensive work by Rhodesway meant the match ended 2-1.

The final beckoned, a replica of the first match against Bingley. Ilkley went on the attack in search of that all-important goal but Bingley proved strong opponents and only gusty performances by Katie Appleyard and Yvonne Lee in midfield enabled Ilkley to pin Bingley back in their own half.

The Bingley goal was under siege for the majority of the match with only odd breaks causing fluttering hearts among the players and supporters. Despite the best efforts of both teams the match ended goalless. Penalty flicks were to decide the '98 Bradford Schools' tournament. Hearts were in mouths as both goalkeepers saved the first round of flicks.

Sudden death followed and the teams found it hard to watch as the first Ilkley flick from Lee was saved, but a miraculous save by young Ilkley 'keeper Natalie Favell kept Ilkley in the game. Newman stepped up next to coolly place the ball in the net but the opposing Bingley forward repeated the feat, despite Favell's diving effort.

The last flick was left to Ilkley captain Emma Tweddle who netted comfortably. It was down to the wire but another fine dive from Favell ended the tournament with Ilkley celebrating a well-earned win.

The Under-15 hockey side travelled to Scholemoor, Bradford, for the Bradford Schools' Tournament. They started well, with six goals in three games for Alexa Jennings, with Sarah Grange and Jenny Wilkinson scoring one each. Ilkley went on to win Group B meaning they faced the runners-up of Group A - Salts Grammar School - in the semi-finals.

Ilkley dominated the semi-final with the attackers and halves playing well. After many attempts by the Ilkley team, Amy Gibson at right-half slotted the ball into the back of the net. Another amazing goal from Sarah Grange at right-wing settled the match to see Ilkley through to the finals.

The final was very close, the defending was good by Ilkley but Bingley marked their forwards well. Bingley got the odd break to test the Ilkley halves who coped and played very well.

In the end the tournament winners had to be decided on

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