SE CHRONICLE 684

63 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

The first girls’ 1st XI ever fielded in a Spring Term

a 0-0 against Bloxham left no room for error but a terrific defensive display along with a delightful poacher’s finish ended in a 1-0 win. The passing game came to the fore in the final game with Abingdon unable to reply to our four goals. Victories against Abingdon and Bradfield in the ISHL followed, in the latter game they came from 2 goals down at half time to win emphatically. A 3-2 loss to Wellington followed and their scoring touch deserted them in National Final qualification to go out on goal difference. Having drawn with Radley with the final hit of the game, they needed to win against both Cheltenham and Marlborough by 3 goals to win the ISHL. Conceding an early goal to the former served to kick them into action and, leading 3-1 in the final minute, Zac Hartley deflected the crucial goal to earn the bonus point win. A big crowd then urged them on to the same result on the final day of the season to be deservedly crowned champions. The 14Bs had some

special moments in their season, not least when it all clicked in a 2-0 win against Stowe. A battling 1-1 draw to Kimbolton kicked off the season but they were unable to come out on top in close games against Marlborough and Bloxham. The girls’ XI had three fixtures, with many playing for the boys’ teams at the weekend, and ended the term unbeaten with some fine performances. Cheltenham Ladies’ College were first on the hit list and some excellent play down the wide channels caused problems for the opposition with Jemima Paganuzzi finishing a fine team move to earn a 3-0 win. Another strong performance brought about a 3-0 win over King’s High, revenge for the loss earlier in the season. Oxford Brookes 4th XI came for the final fixture and the energy and the passing in the first half blew them away, racing into a 3-0 lead. They withstood a fightback in the second half and managed to cling on for a 4-3 win.

Matilda Pumfrey