Thursday 17^th November saw the 1^st XI girls play Kent College, Canterbury (KCC), in their final home game of the term. The match provided the 1^st XI with an opportunity for redemption, having lost to KCC on penalties in the cup at the start of the season. SVS started strongly, showing real intent to get forward in numbers at any opportunity.

This led to us opening the scoring inside the first four minutes, with Rose Price (Upper Sixth) intercepting a pass on the halfway line, carrying the ball hard and calmly slotting the ball past the KCC goalkeeper. After the goal, the game opened up, with both sides looking dangerous going forward. However, the centre back pairing of Annie Moore and Scarlett Washington, and goalkeeper Grace Bartleet (all Upper Sixth), kept SVS organised throughout, limiting KCC’s chances. Key interceptions from Maisie Russell, Olivia Farrell (both Lower Sixth) and Jemma Payne-Cook (Upper Sixth), helped to break down attacks early.

SVS’s second goal came after good defensive work from Florence Wood (Fifth Form) and Katie Henley (Lower Sixth), allowing them to win the ball and then combine down the left-hand side, a calm lay-off from Rose then allowed Florence to push into the far corner from just inside the D. 2-0 to SVS at half time.

The second half saw SVS’s fitness shine through, taking control of the game and really stretching the KCC defence. Leading to several chances for SVS forwards; Millie Sands, Katie Moore (both Upper Sixth) and Katie Henley.

The highlight of the game came fifteen minutes into the second half with Olivia Farrell, Katie Moore, Millie Sands, Charlotte Wellings (Upper Sixth), Florence Wood, Louisa Yorke (Upper Sixth) all combining in a free-flowing passing move, leaving Rose Price to tuck the ball underneath the keeper at the near post. It was a beautiful display of Hockey and an excellent summary of the improvement the side have made, not just this year, but during their time at SVS.

The score finished 3-0 to SVS, in a dominant and controlled performance.