By Mariela Walton, Teacher of Girls’ PE & Games

The girls’ first XI hockey season kicked off yesterday with a trip to King Edward’s School (KES) Witley.

The game got off to a strong start, with Alisia Leach scoring her first goal for the first team, pinging it in from the top of the D, straight over the keeper. This early lead gave the girls the confidence they needed to attack the goal, and it wasn’t long before last season’s top goal scorer, Mathilda Douglas, also got her name on the score sheet.

The first half finished with a third goal, scored by Amber Pearson, which gave the girls a strong lead as they entered the second half. In the latter half of the game, the girls remained strong and managed to contain almost the entire game to their own attacking half.

The quality of play in the second half was excellent, with the girls sending the ball flying around the pitch and leading KES on a chase. Bedales continued to have numerous shots on goal, with a number of them missing narrowly; as we progress through the season it will be exciting to see more of these chances converted to goals.

The game finished with a nail biting short corner from Bedales which despite out best efforts was cleared away by the KES Whitley defence. An excellent game to start the season with and some great individual and team performances. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Mathilda Douglas.