HOCKEY players from Richmond school scored an impressive hat-trick by winning two trophies and securing a place in the national finals of a third - all within a week.

The sequence began at Thirsk school, where the boys' under-16 side won the Hambleton and Richmondshire area schools trophy.

The teams from Richmond and Thirsk schools defeated sides from Northallerton and Stokesley to set up a last match decider. Thirsk scored first, but Richmond gradually took control to win 7-1, bringing their goal tally for the day to 18.

The following day, the boys' under-18 team travelled to Scunthorpe for the quarter-finals of the English schools and sixth form colleges plate competition. A 2-0 victory guaranteed the Richmond players a place in the finals at Bradford on December 5.

The triple victory was completed by the girls' under-18 team, which took part in the north-eastern finals of the British Aerospace U18 schoolgirls' national trophy.

Played initially in two leagues of three teams, Richmond won the first match with a last-minute goal. The second game, against Hymers college, Hull, ended in a goalless draw, but the penalty stroke decider gave Richmond victory and top spot in their league.

The semi-final against Stockton sixth form college also ended 0-0, with Richmond winning through on penalties.

The second meeting with Hymers ended in a 4-0 victory for Richmond, sending the team to Leeds again to compete for the title of northern champions and a slot in the national finals