On Friday, 26 April we faced Kings School in the Under 14 Hampshire Cup Football Final. Springfield School girls' football team last played in a Hampshire Cup Final in 2012 so getting this far was already a huge achievement for the team. On the road to the final we secured a BYE (automatic advance to the next round of a tournament) in the first round, beat Mountbatten School 3-1, beat Thornden 4-0 and beat Bohunt Liphook 3-1 and secured our place in the final. After playing some challenging games we knew the final was going to be a real test of our skills and determination. The team came out strongly and took the lead within 10 minutes thanks to a superb goal form Lola Archbold (9G) but this was quickly taken back to 1-1 by the opposition. Our second goal was scored by Sophie George (9L) after a great shot was mishandled by the keeper. Sophie was quick to react and put the ball in the back of the net. Kings School scored again to make it 2-2 and shortly after they took the lead making it 2-3. The team knew they had to up their game to get a goal back and when Lola Archbold was fouled on the edge of the box Ava-Grace Mo (7E) stood up to take the free kick. A superb finish levelled us to 3-3 just before the half-time whistle. Showing excellent captaincy, Eva Grady (9S) gave some encouraging words at half-time which gave us hope for the second half. 

Going into the second half we knew we needed to get another goal early on to settle us however Kings School also had the same idea and unfortunately for us they scored first. Luckily this was short-lived when Molly Heazleton (7S) took the ball past three of their players and scored an excellent goal. The score was now 4-4 with only 5 minutes to go. A lapse in concentration and some tired legs saw Kings School break the backline and score their fifth goal leaving the final score at 5-4. The girls played excellently throughout the match and the referee commented on how the game could have gone either way. It was clear why both teams had made it to the final. Lola Archbold (9G) received player of the match from the referee for her continued effort throughout the game. Such a brilliant effort shown from all the girls and despite the scoreline not going our way the girls should be so proud. We are sure there will be plenty more success in the future for this team! 

Miss Woolgar and Mrs White, Teachers of PE