For the first time ever, the Friary U18’s, challenged King Edwards Sixth Form Team to a U18s hockey match – which was a first for them playing together in more recent times.
In the first half, Friary unfortunately could not get into the game and failed to apply pressure and lacked motivation, causing King Edwards to put three goals away by half time. On paper, we should have been the stronger side, but the first half performance didn’t show that.
During half time, coaching feedback offered some constructive and wise words of encouragement in the hope they would get themselves back into the game and on the score sheet.
From the whistle, Friary worked as a team and started to pass the ball around, utilising the space in order for Gareth Hunt to break and fire home the first goal with a sneaky reverse stick shot.
This gave the team the boost they needed with Gareth Hunt again extending the score with another two goals making it 3-3.
Sixth Formers Will Whyte and Alfie Joines battled against the oppositions central midfield to push the ball into the D for Friary’s fourth. Unfortunately though, a poor umpiring decision saw the opposition kick the ball into the goal, allowing King Edwards the victory.
Kim Fallows, team coach, said: “Player of the match was awarded to Anand Sihota (Y8) for his excellent defensive skills and for his sheer determination throughout.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “We are very much looking to extend the opportunities for 16-18 year olds in sports as this age group seem to miss out more in local arrangements. This latest fixture brings more Sixth Formers in to play, who are great role models, for younger students, and the whole experience is wholly positive. We are always looking to make our curriculum more varied and this is a great way of doing so.”
