Catching up with captains before StoneX

There is no feeling quite like the moment before a big sports match: the thump of adrenaline, the bright glare of floodlights overhead and the feeling of electricity humming in every limb. For our Berkhamsted Girls’ 1st X Lacrosse and Boys’ 1st XV Rugby teams, next Wednesday promises all of this and more as they step out at the legendary StoneX stadium.

The evening will feature two highly competitive matches: first, Boys’ Rugby will play at 17:00, against the historically well-matched Northampton School for Boys. Next, at 19:15, our Girls Lacrosse team will take on reigning National Champions, Moreton Hall.

With just a week to go, we caught up with captains Rory H (Rugby 1st XV) and Ella W (Lacrosse 1st X) to hear about their preparation for this iconic event.

Meet the Captains

Rory and Ella meet us at the meadow outside the Zaha Hadid building, with an unmistakable enthusiasm as they settle in to discuss their match day preparation. Genial and composed, the pair radiate the kind of quiet confidence you would expect from a Berkhamsted sports captain.

They reflect on the challenge ahead with an equal blend of apprehension and excitement. Rory calls this “the most anticipated game of the year,” and an important opportunity to “showcase what we can do as a team” in front of friends, family and teachers. Ella agrees, adding that while “there are a bit of nerves,” the team is “just really excited” and “looking forward to it.” Rory nods: “the boys are definitely all going to be up for it,” he says.

Preparation and Mindset

The pair’s enthusiasm is evident, but so is the discipline that underpins it. Rory reflects proudly on the team’s commitment: “everyone has been turning up to all the sessions,” even “all the early morning sessions had great turnouts.” This has been essential to “develop connections together as a team” and forge a cohesive unit on game days.

Ella echoes the importance of commitment and player camaraderie. “We’ve got quite a new team,” Ella notes, with “a lot of younger players” who have been called up from Year 11. In order to gel as a team and understand each other’s strengths, she champions regular 6v6 gameplay and taking the time to “get to know each other.” “Support” is clearly Ella’s operative.

To succeed on match day, every player will need to be in the right mindset. Ella and Rory are acutely aware of this as they think about the day of StoneX. “The girls will be feeling very nervous,” Ella suggests, “especially the Year 11s, playing in front of everyone in such a huge stadium.” The captains’ challenge will be keeping their teams composed as they walk out the player’s tunnel and are hit for the first time by roaring crowds, bright lights and their steely opponents.

“Staying calm is a key factor,” Rory states, “especially at StoneX when you’re in front of all those people.” “Nerves and excitement can maybe overdo it” and “affect performances.”

Ella agrees, and says she aims to follow the example of England lacrosse defender Emily Nalls: “she’s just really calm and composed under pressure, which is what I aspire to be when I play.” In order to ensure her teammates are equally collected, Ella will make use of their warmup to play music and ensure everyone is “hyping each other up and just supporting each other.”

Legacy

Leadership also brings its own pressure, but both Rory and Ella carry it with confidence and responsibility, understanding the legacy that they are a part of. When asked what this match means to them personally, they both smile.

“Being in Year 7, looking up to the first team captain was very daunting,” Ella recalls. “I was like, Oh wow, I wish I could be in that position one day. So, now that I am, I’m just really grateful and excited to lead the girls out.”

Rory, who cites the legendary Brian O’Driscoll as his role model, grins. “I’ve always watched [this event], and now I finally get to do it myself, so it definitely means a lot to me.”

For Rory and Ella, StoneX is the culmination of years of commitment, teamwork and ambition; an opportunity to represent the school and community that has shaped them. As Ella sums up perfectly: “We’re going out there to perform in front of our friends, teachers, family… to show them what an amazing community Berko is and the lacrosse that we play.” Rory echoes the sentiment, stating that this is Berkhamsted rugby’s chance to “show what we’re like.”

Final Notes

As the interview ends and the mics click off, we notice that a small crowd of students have gathered behind us; partly to cheer Ella and Rory on, and no doubt also ready to tease them later. It is a small moment, but a key reminder that this event is as much about the sport as the community it inspires. Behind our first teams stands an entire school, ready to bring StoneX to life.

Here’s to Ella, Rory and the teams- we wish them all the best and cannot wait to see them make Berkhamsted proud.