HOCKEY girls from The Downs School (Colwall) were crowned U13 champions at the county championships held at Leominster last weekend.

After an afternoon of very competitive hockey against 12 of the region's top sides, The Downs won a very tightly contested final with a fine strike from Claudia Wells.

At the end of the tournament special mention was made for The Downs' goalkeeper, Hannah Ramsay, who was unbeaten throughout the whole tournament. The Downs girls will now go on to represent Herefordshire at the West of England tournament in Bristol later.

Coach Chris Buckley said: "I am delighted with the way the girls played. We have a young side who are still adjusting to playing at this level and they showed great character and were very well supported by the older girls."

The success of the hockey side comes close on the heals of William Vanston's success at the recent Herefordshire closed squash tournament. William, aged 11, won the U13 title and then came runner-up in the U15 event held on the following day. William also represents the school at rugby and cricket.

Headmaster, Alastair Ramsay, said: "We are very proud of all of our sports sides and the work they put in. To gain the experience of success at county level, and we hope beyond, is a great achievement for the individuals but also give a very special lift to all within the school and all of the children like to share in this sort of success."