Final Fixtures V Somerset College

Somerset College

Another early breakfast (impressive and considerable, as usual) was the prelude to picking up 12 very ecstatic and positively glowing girls, who took great pleasure in extolling the virtues of being hosted in the Cape. Photographs of bedrooms designer kitchens, larger than most UK homes and beautifully landscaped gardens were proudly showed to all. Peter our incredibly accommodating driver then took the group to the centre of Cape Town to give everyone a last opportunity to barter for gifts and artefacts in Green Market Square, once synonymous with the horrors of the slave trade. The next couple of hours were spent in glorious sunshine either rock pooling or playing football on the soft sand with the beautiful Southern Atlantic Ocean gently rolling in.

It was however necessary to begin to focus on the final task of the tour and it was pleasing to see from the entire group a sense of purpose and anticipation for what was to come.

The boys arrived at the ground eager to get changed into their warm up kit keen to be prepared effectively as they faced the prospect of returning home to the UK unbeaten. The girls equally focused departed for the impressive sporting facilities of the world famous Stellenbosch University.

Somerset College Hockey Matches

2^nd XI v Somerset College

Lost 4-1 (Amy Lawrence)

Player of the match: Clare Royle

Our final match of the tour took place on an uneven grass pitch. Katie Paul started the game with a slap to Victoria Harris. The opposition, more at home on the unfamiliar and unpredictable surface attacked with great determination in the initial stages, this meant that the defence found itself working harder than anticipated just to repel their attacks. Georgia Dyer, brave throughout showed some amazing skill by defending the goal with just her stick for one of the strikes at the goal.

,

Despite the pressure St Edward's battled hard, when in possession and showed glimpses of real enterprise when attacking opportunities presented themselves. On a number of occasions strong tackles from Hannah Smith thwarted attacks and presented the opportunity to St Edward's to clear the ball from the D for Amy Jones and Clare Royle; moving the ball at a fast pace to initiate attacks. After half time, the freshly motivated team pulled out all the stops, with the midfielders working hard to get the ball into the oppositions D. On one such an occasion a hit from top D was received confidently by Mimi Pincott, she transferred the ball to neatly to Amy Lawrence whose well executed slap hit put St Edward's on the scoreboard. The goal, which gave St Edward’s a much needed boost and it was pleasing to see the whole squad strive to produce their best in remainder of the game. The team were not successful in achieving another goal they did however force two short corners. Despite their best efforts they were also unable to stop Somerset College scoring again.

Report by: Sarah Reid

1^st XI v Somerset College Report . written by: Alice Shea

Lost 4-1 (Georgie Cannon)

Player of the match: Millie Tupper          

The 1^st XI stepped out for the final time as a team . With emotions running high the St Edward’s squad knew they had to take control of their arousal levels if they were to compete effectively. We were under no illusions that the game was going to be tough, the opposition who had beaten St Mary’s School Johannesburg,had several national squad players in their ranks.The difficulty of the task was also compounded by the fact that many of our players had played in the previous game.

St Edwards started strongly, giving the Somerset College side a real run for their money. Quality defensive work from Tupper, Jones, Parnham and Shea prevented them from creating any early breaks. Excellent teamwork by the midfield allowed St Edward's to create a very promising attack. The ball was eventually worked to Georgie Cannon who took the ball through several defenders to perform a reverse hit which was saved, however having followed up, like all good attackers Georgie skilfully flicked the loose ball into the goal. On a high from the goal, St Edward’s continued to deny Somerset the opportunity of scoring.

However the well drilled Somerset side demonstrating high fitness and skill levels continued to create opportunities with their quick and accurate passing game. Numerous attempts were saved by goalie Dyer who played outstandingly but Somerset were not to be denied and they eventually scored a goal from a reverse hit.

Somerset went on to score three more goals through skilful play and outstanding teamwork. However, St Edwards, aided by the constant encouragement of their captain and vice remained competitive to the end as they kept their work rate high and spirits up.

"It has been my biggest pleasure captaining the 1^st XI at St Edwards and I will miss it greatly. I have been proud of everyone through the many seasons and especially this tour. I am happy to be handing the honour of the captaincy to Emily Pascoe who has been such a huge part of our successes. I am envious of her as she gets another year with these lovely people". 

Rugby V Somerset College

Rugby Report: Somerset College v St Edward’s  by Scoop Watson in association with Matt Woods

The game began with some impressive and intimidating defence from Somerset College as St Edward’s strived to impose their patterns and attacking structure on their hosts. After some initial sloppy play as a result of opposition pressure Max Roberts settled the initial nerves following some smart inter play with co centre George Pearson to cross  near the left hand corner. With the enthusiastic and raucous home supporters egging their players on, Somerset College responded with a converted try to take the lead with half time approaching.  With advice from their coaches ringing loudly in their ears the St Edward’s boys began the second half with greater purpose and composure. Good defensive pressure forced a penalty some 45 metres out which was struck seemingly with complete disdain by fly-half Tom Hage to put St Edward’s back in the lead 8 -7. Following some great work by the forwards deep in the opposition 22 a handling error allowed the impressive Somerset College right winger to break free on a powerful 80 metre run. Great determination from Tom Hage saw the seemingly un-catchable winger hauled down 5 metres from the line to everyone’s relief. Unfortunately from the ensuing ruck and a rather confusing series of penalties Somerset crossed the line to retake the lead 14 – 8. St Edward’s showing reassuring composure moved the ball swiftly to the right releasing winger Ben Harvey to score smartly in the corner. This excellent finish was sweetly converted by the boot of Tom Hage. St Edward’s playing with composure and great defensive intensity were able to extend their advantage a few minutes later with an enormous penalty from Tom Hage. With the outcome still uncertain it was pleasing to see St Edward’s control both field position and the pace of the game during the last 5 minutes of this enthralling encounter. The final whistle sounded with St Edward’s camped in the opposition 22. 
The reality of the achievement of winning all their games was palpable as the players embraced each other, eager to show their respect for the departing year 13’s, playing their last game in a School shirt. Following a series of short congratulatory speeches from all the staff and the tour captain the whole squad retired to the pavilion to enjoy the post match hospitality.

Man of the Match: Ed Ormon 

Score: Somerset College 14 - St Edward's 18