Girls' 1st XI Football - Season review
By Jamie King, Teacher of PE & Sport
This was the fourth playing season for the Girls' 1st XI and by far the most successful.
The team played nine fixtures against other schools, with a total of 24 students playing for the team. Team captain Clara, Sorrel, Ella and Brooke all played in nine matches each and new goalkeeping sensation, Georgie, played in eight games, also completing the set of representing Bedales in an impressive four team sports. Georgie has natural catching and fielding abilities that she was able to quickly transfer from cricket.
Eva had a frustrating season curtailed through injuries and we really hope that she will be back fit and well for next season. Tessa added energy and determination in the attacking front line and pitched in with two great goals.
Newcomers Annie, Evie, Sophie and Jemima added strength in depth and show that the future of the girls teams is very exciting. Evie Walsh scored four goals in her first season and is also training hard in the Portsmouth Women's Football Academy. Pashmina had an outstanding season and was an absolute rock of defiance in the centre of defence. Evie bounced back from a serious injury and made swift work of establishing herself at full-back.
Final mentions go to Ella, centre forward, who led the attack with speed and determination and player of the season - Pandora. Ella scored a credible 11 goals but deserved many more as she was often denied by the post or some wonderful opposition saves. Pandora's energy and combative play in the centre of midfield set the platform for the team; Pandora was the most likely to win possession and stop the opposition dead in their tracks.
Ultimately, the team won five games and drew one, losing narrowly in the other three fixtures. A hard-fought draw at Charterhouse and home win against Canford 4-3 were the best performances, while winning 2-0 at Lord Wandsworth was very satisfying.
Well done to everyone who played in this team - it’s been a real pleasure to coach!
