1st XI Plate Final
Though the Scottish weather was bleak and cold on Wednesday night, the Fettes College 1st XI Hockey team were white hot in their plate final match against Firrhill High School. Eventually firing on all cylinders, Fettes took control of the match against determined and skilful opponents, with Captain Laura M scoring the first goal with a stunning flick from a penalty corner, and Kaitlin T adding a vital second after a scramble in front of the goal. Just before the break, Firrhill finally managed to get one past impressive goalkeeper Naraina B and the teams changed ends with a narrow 2-1 lead to Fettes.
The second half started off with a bang as Fettes scored three consecutive goals within the first few minutes. With Scotland U16 player Millie B prominent, we attacked the right side of the pitch at pace in open play and scored immediately with Millie slotting the ball in the far left corner of the goal. In an almost identical drive, Emma J scored goal number four as the ball cruised passed the goalkeeper. Despite putting the Fettes back line under enormous pressure in the second half, Firrhill’s talented forwards were unable to put a score on the board in the second half, due to very solid defending from the Fettes back five. Millie B scored the fifth and final goal for Fettes as the ball soared into the top-right corner. The final score was 5-1 to Fettes College.
The match was an outstanding finish to a successful hockey season. The 1st XI was coached by Mr Bruce Russell who said, "This was a fitting final game for five outstanding upper sixth players in captain Laura, vice-captain Kirsty, and also Sophie, Connie and Kaitlin. Their commitment and talent has been there for all to see, and they have helped mould a young and exciting team who have played great hockey, enjoyed themselves and represented the school with distinction."