CANFORD School under-16 girls’ hockey team secured the West Regional title to book a place on the national stage.

The youngsters overcame their counterparts from Clifton 2-0 in the final to seal the regional crown, which they won at under-14 level two years ago.

Victory at the event booked Canford’s place among the elite school teams in the country.

They will now head to the national finals at Lee Valley from February 28 to March 1 to pit their wits against the nation’s top eight sides.

Director of hockey Matt Collison said: “This result was a reflection of the hard work and dedication which makes these types of moments both possible and forever memorable.

“To be among the top eight schools in the country is a fantastic achievement and it was a very proud day for all involved.”

Expectations were high at the event as Canford arrived as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Wycliffe were the first of the three opponents in the group stages with Canford recording a 3-0 win.

A devastating six-minute counter-attacking spell against Redmaids saw the Dorset school score three times to record their second success.

Ending the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Millfield meant Canford had to settle for a runners-up place on goal difference, but it was still enough to see them progress to the knockout rounds.

And following a 2-0 last-four victory over Marlborough College, the Wimborne Minster-based outfit sealed the spoils by recording the same scoreline against Clifton in the tournament finale.

Candford School: (from) Sasha Witter, Holly Hazzard, Katie Ashcroft, Lizzy Balls, Abby Childerley, Beanie Culley, Hannah Fairchild, Martha Taylor, India Still, Molly Fairbairn, Sophie Saunders, Jess Rees, Daena Shah, Imogen Fairweather, Bella Brown, Izzy Woodward.