Friday Night Lights – Hockey v Headington
Head of Hockey, Ed Ellis, writes:
On Friday 31st January we hosted a hockey showcase, seeing our Girls’ 1st XI take on Headington Rye up at Oxford Hawks HC.
The girls had an amazing first term of hockey seeing them go unbeaten in block fixtures and reach the fourth round of the cup. It was only fitting that over 150 pupils and staff could witness their brilliance first hand. The game started off nervy with Headington having the more clear cut opportunities, forcing both Isla Scott-Dalgleish and Lottie Allen to make some incredible saves. It did not take long, however, for Teddies to find their footing and grow into the game.
In the 32nd minute, Martha Withers Green broke the deadlock by rifling a shot into the near bottom corner, giving Teddies a 1-0 lead. Teddies continued to push in search of a second goal, creating chances and forcing some brilliant saves. Teddies doubled their lead with a well-worked short corner finishing with a deflection from Lily Rose Brepoels. Headington Rye, undeterred, pulled one back to make the score 2-1 in the 65th minute.
With the score 2-1 and only five minutes left, Headington Rye subbed their keeper for an extra outfield player to push for the equaliser. However, Romy Hunter and Flick Fitzpatrick played a quick 1-2 down the right-hand side before Romy passed across to Martha Withers Green who netted her 30th goal of the season. At full time it was Teddies 3-1 Headington.
The match was a great spectacle – a massive thank you to everyone who helped or supported the event. Most importantly a massive congratulations to our Girls’ 1st XI for a great performance and result, continuing their brilliant form this season.
‘The FNL match vs Headington was an incredible experience! For the younger girls in the squad it was a great way to see what school hockey at 1st team level is all about, and for the entire team it was a rewarding way to round off our hugely successful 2024/5 season. Our team has improved immensely over the last few months and to see everything come together on a bigger stage was the best end to the season, hopefully the event will encourage support and buzz around hockey at Teddies for the next few years!’
Freya Heath and Martha Withers Green, Hockey Captains