By Mariela Walton, Teacher of Girls’ PE & Games

This week the first XI travelled to Southampton to face King Edward VI School. The first goal came from King Edward’s when they were awarded an early short corner, but this was quickly followed by a goal from Eliza Goodfellow.

King Edward’s then followed this up with a second goal of their own, which was quickly followed by a goal from Mathilda Douglas. Shanklin Mackillop-Hall dominated the centre of the pitch, picking out any pass made by King Edward’s and feeding it to the forwards, which eventually led to a third goal from Nell Freeborough, who slammed the ball into the goal from the centre of the D. The fourth Bedales goal came just a few minutes later from Amber Pearson, sending us into half time with a 4-2 lead.

The second half of the match proved to be much tougher, as King Edward’s came back strong, and it wasn’t long before they had taken the score to 4-3. Tyler Staring made some excellent saves in goal, but it wasn’t enough to keep out a fourth goal from King Edward’s. Frustratingly for the Bedales team, having had a 4-2 lead at half time, the final score ended up 5-4 to King Edward’s.

It was great to see three Block 5 students making their first team debut and I doubt it will be their last game in the first XI this season. Sammy Smith was awarded Most Valuable Player for her composure and strength on the right. Next week the first XI travel to Southampton again to participate in the Hampshire Trophy Tournament.