HOCKEY girls at Dollar Academy won a national title for the third consecutive year.

They were triumphant in the S3 Scottish Cup knock-out competition, where they finished first each season since it was set up three years ago.

The final game took place last Friday, March 17, at the National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green against The Mary Erskine School in an exciting affair.

Rhiannon Carr put Dollar in the lead after 10 minutes, but the game was even with both sides defending well, leaving a few clear-cut chances for each other.

Shortly before half-time, MES equalised from a penalty, setting up an even tenser second act.

Again, there were few opportunities for either side, but with 15 minutes to go Lucy Smith fashioned a brilliant goal from a solo effort.

She cut inside a defender on the right of the D before dispatching a beautifully struck, and very technical, reverse-stick shot into the far corner.

Players on the opposition continued to battle hard as the clock was running out, but the Dollar defence held firm.

Rector David Knapman said: “This is an amazing achievement.

“The girls deserve the wonderful praise they are rightly receiving after working so hard throughout the season.”