On Monday afternoon, the 1st team played their first match of the 22/23 season against JAGS, in the first round of the Independent Schools Cup. Although we had not had much training as a full team prior to the game, SCHS was in high spirits and confident going into it.

We played the first half with high intensity and energy levels, which paid off as we scored two goals. Every player was putting in maximum effort, and while it took us some time to settle, we were creating a nice place and having many chances inside our attacking D. The first goal came from a transfer around the back, followed by a pass up the right wing. Lucy Carr (U5) proceeded to score with a baseline ball around the goalkeeper. We continued the first half with strong transfers around the back and quick movement off the ball, which led to our second goal by Lizzy Hill (U6) through the goalkeeper’s legs.

In the second half, our post-summer fitness levels were very much evident. Tired legs meant we were struggling to run back to defend quickly, and consequently JAGS were in our D often and won several consecutive short corners against us. Still, our back four held their ground – a special mention also to our goalkeeper Sophie Coggins (U5) who made some crucial saves to maintain the score line. It was a difficult battle from SCHS to keep the ball out of the back of the net, but in the end, the result was 2-0 for us.

The team was very pleased to start the season with a win and progress to the next round of the ISHC. We are looking forward to playing our next match in the cup against Reed’s school, but we know there are things to improve on, and our players are prepared to put in the work.

By Lizzy Hill