Nine alumnae returned to play again this year, alongside nine debutants, including recent leavers Ella Snow and Cecilia Stone (DH 2024).

The Downe House team had a youthful feel, composed primarily of Lower Fifth. The alumnae team had a more generous average age, many graduating before 2002! The alumnae were quick to show that age and experience are worth their weight in gold.

Vicki Scott (DH 1999) helped the alumnae win valuable possessions from the draw and take control of the game. But it was a close affair from start to finish. Jo Avery (Lamplough, DH 2000) showed just why she was one of the most feared attackers in the 90s, whilst Jessie Robinson (DH 2014) and Lara Harries (DH 2022) displayed some slick stick work and Heidi Marvin (Cooper, DH 1988) controlled the attack. The alumnae defence anchored by Charlotte Williams (DH 2001) was an impenetrable force. Time after time Ceara Bastin (DH 2022) or Tilly Bridgeman (DH 2022) would be seen surging out of defence with the ball, often after a Tamara Gall (DH 2001) block
or Frankie Luke (Blackmore, DH 1999) intercept.

Alumnae match regulars Cesca Major (Martin, DH 2000) and Laura Williams (Priestly, DH 2001) ran their socks off in the midfield. In goal, Emma Stonebridge (DH 2016) and Sally Niedringhaus (DH 2025) were instrumental to the alumnae nullifying a charge from the Downe House team as they searched for a late winner.

After 60 minutes of end-to-end lacrosse only a single goal separated the two teams, and it seemed only fitting that the winning goal was
scored by the alumnae’s Anna Neville (DH 2020), current Senior England International.

Read more about our other inspiring alumnae in our latest Cloisters magazine