The football team visited Pyrford School for a match this afternoon. In increasingly dark and wet conditions, the two teams produced an excellent game of football.

The St Hugh’s team, comprising 5 Year 5s and 5 Year 6s, got off to an excellent start. Daniel found space in the middle of the penalty area and placed a lot right footed shot inside the post to give St Hugh’s the lead. Ethan had a shot which the goalkeeper saved well, and David had a good effort which almost added to the lead. Shortly before half time, though, a good attack from Pyrford led to a goal from them to make the score 1-1. Toby worked hard on the left hand side, linking well with Fred to create another chance. Fiach had a brave far post header which narrowly missed. The half-time score was 1-1.

Into the second half and St Hugh’s re-took the lead when Daniel raced onto a through-ball, bravely stretching as the goalkeeper came out to use the outside of his foot to put the ball into the corner of the net for his second goal of the game. Before long, a move that started with a strong challenge from Louis and a quick break by Ethan saw Daniel complete his hat-trick with a header, jumping in front of the goalkeeper to loop the ball into the back of the net.

Jacob then made an excellent save to prevent Pyrford scoring direct from the re-start. Harry made two excellent tackles to avert further danger, but Pyrford continued to attack strongly and pulled one goal back, and then shortly after equalised. Marc made several strong blocks, as St Hugh’s tried to go forward to create chances to re-take the lead. Ethan, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, almost created a chance with a great run down the left. Fiach put in a great cross from a corner, which just could not be turned into the net.

The decisive goal was scored by Pyrford, with just a couple of minutes to play. In near-darkness, St Hugh’s were breaking forwards in midfield when the ball was lost and Pyrford counter-attacked quickly, creating a chance which was turned into the net to make the score 4-3. The final whistle sounded soon afterwards to end a very exciting match. Although the final scoreline was a disappointment, especially with St Hugh’s having held a 3-1 lead, there was a great deal to admire from the performance of the St Hugh’s players in this match.

The squad was: Jacob, Ethan, Daniel, Harry, Fiach, Fred, Marc, David, Louis, Toby.