By Kevin Boniface, Head of Hockey

On Wednesday, the U15 girls’ hockey side travelled away to play Churcher’s College U15B team. This game is always a well-matched fixture and the 2019 instalment was no different. Bedales could argue that they had the bulk of attacking play in the first half, but were thwarted on numerous occasions by the outstanding Churcher’s keeper. As the half progressed, Bedales quite rightly pressed forward but were sometimes a little ‘gung-ho’, leaving gaps at the back. Despite tremendous defending from full back Olivia Cooper, Churcher’s posed a threat on the breakaway – and it was from one of these fast breaks that they converted, going in 1-0 up at half-time.

Buoyed by their lead, Churcher’s started the second half strongly, but with a large squad rotating from the bench, Bedales were able to increase their intensity and started gaining more of an attacking foothold. A deserved equaliser came from Minnie Galton-Fenzi, who broke down the right channel, eliminated her marker and calmly finished in the bottom corner.

With time running out it looked like the game was heading for a draw. This was until Kamaya Nelson Clayton picked up the ball on the top of the Churcher’s circle and eliminated three players before neatly shifting the ball on to her reverse stick and slamming the ball home. Final score: 2 -1 Bedales. A really enjoyable and exciting game and credit to both teams for playing their part in it.