By Mariela Walton, Teacher of Girls’ PE & Games

On Thursday, the U16 hockey team travelled to the New Forest to participate in the Ballard School Hockey Tournament.

The tournament kicked off with a game against Hampshire Collegiate School, who managed to sneak an early goal, giving them a lead of 1-0. Despite our best efforts, the girls couldn’t quite finish it, and we lost the first game 1-0.

Never a team to give up however, the girls fought back in the second match against Priestlands, and with a beautiful ball into the D from Alisia Leach – which was converted by Mathilda Douglas – we were able to finish the second match 1-0 up.

For our final pool match, we came up against Ballard School. Having watched them comfortably beat both of our previous opponents, we were well aware that this game would be tough.

The Bedales team played with a high intensity and demonstrated some excellent hockey, but despite numerous spectacular saves from Tyler Staring in goal, Ballard were able to take a 1-0 victory.

We then entered the plate competition and our first match was again against a strong Ballard side. The Bedales team went out hard and were rewarded with three superb goals, two from Mabel Watson (with an excellent ball in from Emma Nelson in defence) and one from Nell Freeborough.

This victory saw us face Priestlands in the final of the plate competition, and again we were able to walk away with a win after a third goal from Mabel Watson. A great day with some outstanding hockey on display from the Bedales team. Well done all!