The Bolton School Girls’ Division Senior Lacrosse Squad has secured victory in the Northern Schools’ Championships. This is the seventh year in a row that these Year 13 girls have won this tournament, meaning that they have won the title of Northern Schools’ Champions every year since they started playing lacrosse in Year 7!
Their victory marks the first time that Bolton School has achieved such an extraordinary run of success over consecutive years.
This year’s Northern Schools’ Championships was hosted by Queen Margaret's School in York. The Bolton School team faced fierce competition from Birkenhead School in an intensely competitive final. The match ended in a draw at full time and remained level even after extra time, leading to a thrilling ‘golden goal’ scenario. A goal from a free position at last secured Bolton School’s victory.
Girls’ Division PE teacher Miss Andrea Donaghy, who coaches the team, said: ‘The team’s perseverance and focus under pressure paid off, making their exceptional seven-year achievement even more special. Their consistent dominance in the Northern Schools’ Championships is a testament to the team’s dedication and skill, setting a new standard for future squads. Congratulations to everyone involved in the squad!’
The Northern Champions squad was made up of Year 13s Emma Arnison, Anna Brennand, Gabriella Giambattista-Hunt, Molly Grimshaw, Maya Guhathakurta, Alexia Howarth (Captain) and Pip Nuttall, Year 12s Ella Clarkson, Lily-Grace Greer, Eva Hurst and Sienna White, and Year 11s Scarlett Bowie and Bella Shannon.
The high standard of lacrosse in the Girls’ Division continues with regional and national selection for a large number of players.
Six students have been selected to join the Girls’ National Lacrosse Academy: Year 13 students Emma Arnison, Molly Grimshaw, Alexia Howarth and Pip Nuttall, and Year 12 students Lily-Grace Greer and Sienna White. These players have been recognised as some of the most promising talent at Regional Academy level, and their exceptional performance has led their invitation to join the National Academy programme. This Talent Pathway is the route for any individual lacrosse player who aspires to play for the Under 19 and Senior England lacrosse Squads.
A total of 16 Bolton School students have been selected for the U18 Lancashire County Lacrosse Squads this year following final trials in October. In addition, three girls were chosen to captain the ‘A’ Team: a significant achievement both for the students and the school.
On the Lancashire A Squad are Year 13s Emma Arnison (Captain), Anna Brennand, Molly Grimshaw (Captain), Alexia Howarth (Captain) and Pip Nuttall, Year 12s Lily-Grace Greer, Evie Morris and Sienna White, and Year 11 Scarlett Bowie. On the Lancashire B Squad are Year 13s Gabriella Giambattista-Hunt and Maya Guhathakurta, Year 12s Elise Brown, Ella Clarkson, Hannah Faulkner and Tia Fitzgerald, and Year 10 Gabrielle White.
These players will now take part in the Northern Counties Tournament on Sunday 10th November at Moreton Hall School in Shropshire.
The Northern Schools’ Champions 2024:
Girls’ National Lacrosse Academy selection:
U18 Lancashire County Lacrosse A Squad:
U18 Lancashire County Lacrosse B Squad:
