On a glorious evening with the sun beaming down, Friary took to the pitch against King Edwards in an electrifying hockey competition. Hosted by coach Kim Fallows, King Edwards fielded two teams, while Friary demonstrated their ever-growing passion for the sport by entering an impressive four teams – an incredible turnout that showcased just how dedicated these players are to the game.
The matches were fiercely competitive, with players giving it their all. Goal scorers for Friary included Edward Bytheway, Jack Holt, Isaac Adams, and Natalie Walker. However, the star of the night was George Walker, who put on a stunning display, smashing six goals past the opposition in an outstanding individual performance.
The competition wasn’t without its challenges, as Joanna Jones-Gallardo and Isaac Adams both suffered injuries – Isaac taking a ball to the face. Yet, in true Friary spirit, they refused to back down. Isaac’s team, playing in pink, powered through the adversity and won their group overall, showing immense resilience and determination.
Adding to the excitement, newcomers Summer Roberts and Amelia Hewkin made their team debuts after dedicating themselves to training in recent weeks. Their enthusiasm and commitment were evident, making a fantastic first impression on the pitch.
Friary’s Year 7 players were a true credit to the school, with the King Edwards coach and umpires singing their praises. Their sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill development were a joy to watch, proving just how much they’ve progressed.
Despite Friary winning their group, the semi-finals and finals brought an agonizing finish. In a heart-stopping moment, King Edwards snatched victory in the final seconds, scoring with just 10 seconds to go to claim first place. However, there was still plenty to celebrate, as Friary’s yellow team triumphed in their semi-final, proudly securing second place in the competition.
Kim Fallows, team coach, said: “A massive well done to every player who took part, showing true grit and determination throughout the evening. And a special thank you to the fantastic parents who turn up each week to cheer on the teams—it truly makes all the difference. This was a night of high-quality hockey, resilience, and teamwork, proving once again that Friary are a force to be reckoned with! The Player of the Tournament was awarded to Edward Bytheway for improvement in his skills and tactical performance.”
