Year 3 Quick-Sticks Hockey Festival

Read this blog to find out how ten-Year 3 pupils got on at a recent Quick-Sticks festival at Surbiton High's Sports Ground.

On Thursday 28th March 2019 selected year 3 pupils participated in a Quick-Sticks Hockey Festival in the sports grounds of Surbiton High School. Courtesy of parents and carers, the ten-year 3 pupils arrived at the venue excited to represent the school. In what was the vast majority of the team’s first competitive hockey match, the children were keen to transfer hockey skills learnt in P.E. to competitive matches.

After some time, competing warm-up drills as a team, the festival got underway as O.L.I. played host Surbiton Girls (Team 1). Against experienced opponents, the team performed brilliantly in this opening fixture particularly showing great commitment in defence. Due to this great team effort, O.L.I. registered an encouraging 0-0 draw. Following a short break watching other teams in their group, O.L.I. started to show more confidence in attack, as they scored an early goal in a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Westbury,

St Matthews were the team’s final match in the first round; this proved to be a close encounter. O.L.I. were unfortunate to be on the losing side of a 2-1 defeat. However, this result really did not affect the team’s spirit going forward in the second-round matches. In the second-round O.L.I. had the opportunity to play against the same three schools as earlier in the morning. First, the team faced Surbiton Girls and attacked relentlessly to win the match by two goals to nil. This performance certainly displayed the progression that the children had made with their hockey-based skills and tactical awareness. In the second match against Westbury, a similar trend occurred with O.L.I. dominating possession, scoring three excellent goals to win the match 3-1. 

Following back-to-back victories, O.L.I. were eager to end the festival on a high. In the final group match against St Mathews, the O.L.I. squad didn’t disappoint in this objective. Despite conceding an early goal, the team continued to play on the front foot and managed to score two well-worked goals to win by a score line of two goals to one. With three wins, two draws and only one defeat, the team should be very proud of their performance in the festival. However, more importantly it was great to witness the team spirit and enjoyment that all the children displayed throughout the morning’s play. I would like to congratulate: Mateusz, Thomas, Evie L, Eoin, Evie O, Emilia, Charlie, Amelie, Annie and Daniel.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the parents and carers who provided transport to and from the venue. Also, many thanks to those who supported during the course of the festival. Please visit the school website to view a small selection of photographs taken from this event. Mr Keady