Preston Lodge High school hosted a South American school for Argentina recently to compete in hockey and rugby
Preston Lodge High School hosted a rugby and hockey match v St Michaels of Buenos Aires Argentina at the end of January. The school was excited to host the teams and over 300 pupils attended the events to support the Preston Lodge teams. Traditional Scottish bagpipes welcoming the teams and playing before the matches there was a feel good factor from all involved.
The rugby was a fiercely contested affair between two teams enjoying playing in balmy conditions. PLHS opened the scoring, after a long period of pressure, before running in three more tries. Kyle Scott, Jack Leslie and James Hunter made hard yards, creating space out wide for Scott King, Alex Clarke and Angus Hillhouse. The bagpipes rang out over the half-time team talks whilst the crowds of pupils grew, and all watching were entertained by a fast paced and competitive second half. As the game came to a conclusion both sets of players were desperate to continue, so the teams were mixed, with PL backs pairing up with St Michael’s forwards and vice-versa. With the pressure off, slight language difficulties were overcome and the game opened up. Some 'Fiji' style rugby ensued.
The PL senior hockey squad had a fantastic afternoon playing against two teams from St Michael’s. There was a great atmosphere all round, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed playing and watching the matches unfold. During PL’s first game against St Michael’s we had some fantastic shots on target, with the St Michael’s keeper making some great saves. Anna Scott scored a lovely goal towards the end of the game giving PL the win.
During our second game against St Michael’s PL were challenged right from the whistle. St Michael’s played some lovely hockey, using the width of the pitch well, and leaving our girls on the back foot. St Michael’s scored early in the game, but Katie Lessels had a wonderful run up the middle of the pitch, dodging four players one after the other, taking the ball into the ‘D’ and scoring, getting PL back into the game. Our opposition fought back well, scoring quickly after, allowing them to take the lead again. PL worked incredibly hard to come back to draw the game, with Anna Scott scoring the final goal, giving PL a 2-2 draw with St Michael’s.
Overall a great performance for our PL senior squad, which included girls from S3 to S6 and an S3 boy. Congratulations on a brilliant afternoon of hockey.
Kirsten McCann (GK), Amy Lumsden, Kristie Cullen, Molly Richardson, Ellie Christie, Becky Cargill, Connor Lyon, Abbie Doidge, Niamh Ross, Tarryn Wood, Anna Scott, Christina Minto, Beth McDonald, Katie Lessels, Leah Rafferty, Charley Rafferty
The rugby and hockey teams then enjoyed a mini Burns Supper presentation in the school canteen, exchanging gifts and mixing together.
St Michael’s now travel south to play a Yorkshire school followed by London, Paris and finally Rome. We wish them well
