On Friday 1st March, the Mixed XI of King’s School took on the Old Roffensians at Holcombe Hockey Club. This has become a big event in the Calendar each year and the ORs were determined to retain the Cup after losing it last year. Some sly tactics from the OR side were noted before the match commenced, as more and more players who were not on their Team Sheet continued to show up during the warm-up. This did not scare the ambitious and determined King’s School Squad.
The game started at a high tempo with attacks from both sides, one of which resulted in a goal for the School side. A strong defensive line from the ORs with Matt Hebden, Rebecca Titmuss and Will Gressier stopped many counterattacks from the School, rattled due to the King’s side scoring first. It did not take long for the speed and skills from Kat Cumming and Harrison Fermor to get into the King’s ‘D’ and score consecutive goals. The score at half-time was 4-1 to the ORs.
Some strong team talks from both sides, with some expert management from Alexander Hebden-Edwards and Harry S (Upper Sixth) meant the second half got off with strong attacks from both teams, it was like watching a game of tennis with end-to-end play. King’s had a great counterattack with some sharp defending by Nik H (Upper Sixth) and Maggie D (Upper Sixth) playing the ball through Sarah W (Upper Sixth) which resulted in a short corner, converted by Alfie R (Upper Sixth). Alas, the ORs continued to power on, with their bench of trade mark hockey players from all ages. More goals were scored and the match finished with a 6-2 win for the OR Team. It was a wonderful evening and atmosphere and all involved should be proud of their performance and King’s spirit. Let’s see who will be the Champion next year.
Head of Hockey Mr Taylor
