Sixth Form v Staff Hockey Match 2023
On the last afternoon of the school year, Friday 7th July, Headington hosted the annual 2023 Students vs Staff Hockey match.
Following the staff victory in 2022, the girls were looking to get their own back.
The occasion really begun once Sixth Formers, led by Emily (L6) and clad in their fuchsia pink, walked onto the pitch. The fans who lined the sides of the pitch cheered for their arrival. The staff, led by PE teacher Miss Phillipa Horlock, were already on the pitch warming up.
Both teams started the game strong with an explosive start from Mr Phil Macken (Director of Drama) getting a quick shot off on goal while Jess R made some ambitious runs towards the staff defence.
The game saw fierce contests in midfield where girls took their chances to ‘skill’ their hockey coach, Mr Alex Williams. First Deputy Head Mr Simon Hawkes managed to steer the ball into the goal to open the scoring and after stunning shuffles from Pastoral Director of Middle School and PE teacher Miss Megan Minton and Emily, the score line at half time was 2-1.
At half time, both teams sought shade as the heat of the day was causing the players to tire.
The staff worked hard early in the second half and managed to score even more goals, special mention going to a brilliant half volley from Assistant Head Mr George Vlachonikolis. The fatigue then started to set in, and the staff only had to hold on to gain victory. The girls realised this and started to put pressure on the staff defence with brilliant phases of attack from the likes of Grace, Jessica R, Ruby and Jessica T. Freya, the Sixth Form centre back even made some impressive surges towards the staff goal.
There was time for one more goal from the girls before the final whistle blew. The final score line stood at 5-2 to staff.
Well done to everyone who took part with a special thank you to PE teacher Miss Lyn Cockshott and Hockey coach Mr Deakin for being such fantastic umpires.
The annual match will return in 2024 and the Sixth Form have already declared their intent for revenge!
