St Edmund's
Day One of the Sports Tour
A seamless journey from Canterbury to Dubai and a busy first day. We arrived at our hotel by 11am and after a quick change were whisked off to Dubai Mall for some lunch and a first brief look at the Burj Khalifa and the ‘dancing fountains’. We return later in the week to explore further.
Back to the hotel and another quick change for the U15 boys’ and U16 girls’ football teams, in preparation for the first fixtures at DESC. How the pupils managed this on so little sleep was quite phenomenal and a 3-1 win against ‘Go Pro’ for the boys was most impressive.
Mr Bright reports:
The U15’s started their tour with a match against Go Pro under the lights on Saturday night on a pristine grass pitch and 25 degree heat.
Having touched down in UAE that morning, the boys could be forgiven for having being somewhat sluggish.
However a flurry of goals in the first half saw the boys 3-0 up at half time. A brace from Ed Courtenay Snipp, and a quick finish by Monty White (featuring as an outfield player) gave St. Ed’s a more comfortable lead then the balance of play suggested.
Outstanding defending from a resolute back four of Rudy Gough, Kanade Mitshubushi, Freddie Post, and Rexford Wilson limited the opponents chances, and a composed keeping performance from Sonny Mortensen kept Go Pro at bay.
At the other end of the pitch Joel Bodiako, and Drew Thornton were a constant threat on either wing.
The second half was full of changes in personal and position as St. Ed’s dug deep with tired legs and in hot conditions.
Masahito Awata in goal dealt with some dangerous balls over the top from the opposition to maintain the two goal cushion.
A break away from Go Pro saw them pull one back, but the team pulled together, worked their socks off and earned a well deserved win! Well done to all the squad. Onto the next one!
Meanwhile the U16 girls took part in a 5-aside tournament against four other teams from local academy sides, Go Pro and Alliance. The staff were so impressed with their incredible work ethic on the pitch – an intense experience indeed with 4 x 12 minute matches. Goals were elusive, one off the cross bar, one off the post from Lizzie Wiltshire and several excellent chances from Angelica Docwra went wide. These two are a force to be reckoned with! Lauren Kent added to the pressure up front with pacey moves into space, creating more opportunities to score. Strong work from the opposition goal keepers also kept St Edmund’s at bay. Some fabulous passing patterns however, with Angel Newman, Tabitha White and Yasmin Amin anticipating the long passes admirably. Hetty Moran provided stirling defence with Milly Feakins and Lucy Standen stepping up to make their debut in goal. And a great job they did too, with some top saves made including some finger tip pushes over the bar. As usual an incredibly positive, forward looking and supportive environment created by this group. I was very proud of them.
Back to the hotel for everyone, for a well deserved Asian style dinner buffet followed a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday for Oli’s 18th birthday! Some then chose to watch football on the outside big screen whilst others visited the gym or simply had an early night. A super first day.
