Friday 10th October
3rd Place in Bowl
Our Colts A Hockey team had an action-packed and rewarding day at the IAPS tournament hosted by Haileybury on Friday. Placed in a tough pool alongside St. Cedd’s, Dame Bradbury’s, Bancroft’s, and Danes Hill, the team showed great determination and spirit to battle through to the Bowl competition.
In the Bowl stage, we faced St. Faith’s and Alleyn’s School, putting in strong performances across the board. Highlights included excellent defensive work during short corners, with Captain Asayoma leading from the front by charging down the taker, Aria making some superb saves in goal, and Ayomipo clearing the ball with composure and confidence.
We finished 3rd in the Bowl, a fantastic achievement and a testament to the team’s growth, effort, and teamwork throughout the day. We’re excited to bring everything we’ve learned back into training as we continue to build and improve.
Colts A Hockey vs Beechwood Park
Edge Grove 0-0 Beechwood Park B
Edge Grove 3-3 Beechwood Park C
It was a fantastic afternoon of hockey for the Colts A team as they took on Beechwood Park’s B and C sides.
In our first game, the defence was rock solid — clearing every ball wide with confidence and precision. Ariya made several excellent saves to keep us in control, while Freya took quick and accurate hits out to Seb and Lily, setting the team up for strong attacking plays.
Moving into the second game, our attacking line switched to Iyanu and Seb, who worked brilliantly together to produce three superb goals. The team adapted seamlessly to the change in formation, showing great teamwork and determination throughout. It was a brilliant all-round performance with strong defending, sharp attacking, and excellent communication across the pitch. The Colts A team remains undefeated on match days, and this afternoon’s results were a testament to their hard work and teamwork.
Well done, Colts A!
Colts B Hockey vs Beechwood Park
The Colts B hockey team enjoyed a fantastic and fun training session with Beechwood Park this week. It was a great opportunity for the players to both compete against and team up with Beechwood, creating a lively and collaborative atmosphere on the pitch.
There were some brilliant attacking moments, particularly from Sienna and Olivia, who showed great skill and determination going forward. At the back, Leila put in an outstanding defensive performance, helping to keep things solid under pressure.
Everyone worked hard throughout, showing great team spirit and energy. A really enjoyable session all round – well done, Colts B!
Colts A Football Triangular Festival
Edge Grove 0-1 Westbrook Hay
Edge Grove 2-1 Orley Farm
The Edge Grove Colts A team travelled to Orley Farm on Wednesday for a challenging triangular festival, facing Westbrook Hay and the host school. Despite missing several key players, the squad showed immense determination and team spirit to produce a superb afternoon of football.
Match 1: Edge Grove vs. Westbrook Hay (0-1)
The Colts A started their campaign against Westbrook Hay, a side that had defeated them convincingly just a few weeks prior. Knowing they had a point to prove, the team started the game with ferocious competitiveness.
The defensive spine was immense: Raf and Harry were tireless and tenacious in their tackling, shutting down many attacks. Leading from the front, Tyler demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertly organising the team’s shape and keeping the structure tight. A welcome returnee, Louis proved immediately resolute in his defensive duties. Meanwhile, Edith was a constant threat, offering excellent width and pace, turning defence into attack throughout the match.
Up front, Jack led the line brilliantly, serving as the essential out-ball for the team and providing fantastic hold-up play to bring others into the game. The last line of defence in the team was Teddy, who continued his fine form in goal with strong, acrobatic reaction saves and excellent distribution that kept the play moving quickly.
It was a tightly contested affair, but after a sustained period of pressure, Westbrook Hay managed to break the deadlock and take the lead. The Colts A’s rallied in the second half, creating several golden opportunities with both Edith and Jack going agonisingly close. Though the equaliser wasn’t found, the team’s much-improved performance was a huge positive to carry into the next match.
Match 2: Edge Grove vs. Orley Farm (2-1)
The second match saw the Colts A quickly find their stride and dictate the flow of the game. The team successfully identified and exploited a weakness in the opposition’s defensive shape.
Tyler was pivotal in midfield, smartly finding Edith and Louis out wide time and again. The wingers delivered a barrage of testing shots towards the Orley keeper while simultaneously slipping excellent through-balls to Jack. Tyler himself broke the deadlock before half-time, displaying magnificent “twinkle toes” to dance past three defenders before rifling the ball into the top corner—a truly sensational goal.
The Colts doubled their lead in the second half thanks to great teamwork. Louis’s aggressive pressing won the ball back high up the pitch, and he quickly fed Jack, who clinically dispatched the team’s second goal. Despite a late consolation goal from Orley Farm, the Edge Grove team stayed disciplined and focused, hanging on for a superb 2-1 victory.
This was a superb effort from everyone involved, showcasing resilience, tactical awareness, and fantastic individual skill against tough opposition. Well done, Colts A!
Colts B Football v Orley Farm
The Colts B Team travelled to Orley Farm on Wednesday for a triangular fixture against Orley Farm and Westbrook Hay. Spirits were high as the team approached their first match with great energy and determination.
In the opening game against Orley Farm, Edge Grove started positively and played some excellent football, showing real teamwork and commitment throughout. Despite a strong performance, a couple of unfortunate goals saw Orley Farm take a 2–0 win. Oscar worked tirelessly in goal, while Aiwanehi was superb at centre defence, he read the game brilliantly, making crucial tackles, and driving the team forward from the back.
The second match against Westbrook Hay proved a tougher challenge. An early goal from the opposition put Edge Grove on the back foot, and despite their best efforts, the boys found it difficult to regain their momentum. Kwabena, stepping up from the C Team, delivered a sterling performance at left-back, showing real composure and effort. Once again, Aiwanehi led by example with constant communication and commitment. Harry showed excellent leadership and perseverance up front, keeping his teammates motivated until the final whistle.
Although results didn’t go our way, the team should take pride in their effort, teamwork, and continued improvement. Each game is another step forward in their development, and the spirit shown throughout the afternoon was a real credit to them.
Colts C Football v Orley Farm
On a challenging afternoon, the Edge Grove Colts C squad travelled to Orley Farm to take part in a head-to-head fixture. While the final score was a tough 1-6 defeat, the team demonstrated immense resilience, fortitude, and the true Edge Grove spirit throughout the match.
A Strong Start and Defensive Fortitude
The team started strongly, matching Orley Farm’s energy and commitment across the pitch. Our defence was marshalled superbly, with Daniel proving to be a resolute anchor. He showed real resilience and was tenacious and uncompromising in every single tackle, constantly shutting down opposition attacks.
In the first half, Luke played a vital role in goal, keeping Edge Grove in the game with a string of outstanding saves. His commitment to the team was clear, and he demonstrated the Edge Grove spirit of teamwork and empathy throughout, acting as a genuine role model.
Midfield Engine and Attacking Threat
The midfield was a hive of activity, driven by several impressive individual performances:
- Josh was a standout, impressing coaches with his strength on the ball and intelligent positioning. His ability to run the length of the pitch at will, contributing equally in both attack and defence, was exceptional and provided energy across the field.
- Kwabena showed great promise in the first half, using his strength on the ball to full effect and showcasing excellent dribbling skills to break through the lines.
- Wolf ran tirelessly, displaying rapid acceleration. His speed and excellent dribbling skills saw him break through the defensive line and get through on goal several times, testing the Orley Farm goalkeeper.
The team’s relentless effort paid off with an excellent goal, a well-deserved moment of quality. Tippi showed great skill and enthusiasm throughout the match, committed fully to both tackles and attack. Her efforts were rewarded when she finished off a superb move that involved brilliant build-up play from both Josh and Luke.
The team continued to fight hard in the second half. Chris took over in goal and immediately impressed, making several excellent saves and showcasing his composure by distributing the ball well to restart our attacks.
Ultimately, while the result didn’t go our way, every member of the Colts C team can be proud of their commitment.
They fought for every ball, adapted to the pressure, and demonstrated excellent resilience and fortitude against a strong opponent.
Colts D Football vs Aldwickbury
Edge Grove 2-1 Aldwickbury (First game)
Edge Grove 3-5 Aldwickbury (Second game)
Today, Edge Grove travelled to Aldwickbury for an exciting fixture. The Colts D team started with real intensity and teamwork. Chimdi, Itai, and Hamza combined brilliantly in attack, with Chimdi providing an excellent pass for Itai, who showed great determination to score twice. In defence, Lucy and Rayan worked tirelessly, while Kevin made several key saves in goal, conceding only once. The first match finished 2–1 to Edge Grove, a fantastic result in their opening game.
In the second game, Aldwickbury fielded a fresh team who came out strongly and scored some early goals. Hamza produced a fantastic solo attack, chasing down a through ball and taking on the goalkeeper one-on-one to score. Itai also worked well again with Chimdi, who provided two excellent assists for his goals. Although Edge Grove lost their second match, the team showed great determination and effort right up until the final whistle. Moving forward, the players will focus on moving the ball wide into space and communicating more effectively as a team.
Thursday 16th October
Edge Grove vs York House
Miss Evans’ Team 6-0 York House
Miss Evans’ U8 team faced a new challenge this week with smaller pitches, meaning tighter spaces and a greater need for skill and quick thinking. The first half was goalless, with both sides struggling to break through.
In the second half, Edge Grove began to find space out wide. A great cross from Lara set up Isabella for the first goal. Lara then added two more herself with some impressive attacking play.
Darcy and Gabriella were strong at the back, but both also pushed forward, Gabriella scoring a well-taken goal, and Darcy adding her own soon after. Elizabeth was solid in tackles and was rewarded with a goal too.
A fantastic team performance, well done to all the girls!
Year 3 House Football Competition
What an incredible afternoon of football! Our Year 3 and 4 boys took to the pitches with enthusiasm, teamwork, and house pride as they represented Gills, Churchills, Sarnesfield, Hedgerows, and Stratton in this term’s Inter-House Football Competition.
From the very first whistle, the standard of play was superb, full of energy, determination, and fantastic sportsmanship. Every match showcased the boys’ developing understanding of teamwork, positioning, and communication, with plenty of goals, saves, and celebrations along the way.
While there were too many standout moments and impressive players to mention, special recognition goes to Max Vasani and Nathaniel Shtrosberg, who both showed exceptional sportsmanship by stepping in to play for other teams, ensuring that every pupil could take part and enjoy the experience.
Inter-House competitions are not just about winning, they are about participation, teamwork, and growth. The boys demonstrated exactly that spirit throughout the afternoon, supporting one another and showing what it truly means to be part of the Edge Grove community.
A huge well done to everyone involved for making it such a positive and enjoyable event!
Year 4 House Football Competition
Houses Competing: Stratton, Sarnesfield, Hedgerows, Gills, and Churchills
The atmosphere was electric as the Year 4 Houses took to the pitch for a truly high-energy football competition. This year’s format—where every team played each other twice—proved highly valuable, allowing teams to discuss tactics, apply them in the second meeting, and deliver instant adjustments to great effect. The afternoon was filled with incredible tackling, sharp passing, and some truly exceptional dribbling displays across the board.
Sarnesfield’s Early Momentum
Sarnesfield started the tournament like a force of nature, securing four consecutive wins and building critical momentum. Their early success was built on having many attacking and defensive options at their disposal, making them difficult to contain.
However, the second round saw the competition adapt brilliantly. The other Houses stepped up their collective game, forcing Sarnesfield to fight hard and resulting in two crucial draws in their final matches. Despite this late pressure, Sarnesfield’s early success and overall strength secured them the top spot.
The True Spirit of Competition
While Sarnesfield earned the trophy, the afternoon was defined by the incredible grit, tenacity, and House spirit shown by every competitor:
- Hedgerows rebounded strongly after an opening defeat. Crucially, they started with only four core players, yet showed such true grit that they fought their way back into the competition. In a brilliant display of House spirit, other Houses generously contributed a player to Hedgerows for each match, ensuring they matched up evenly and demonstrated amazing sportsmanship.
- The combined Churchills and Gills side showed true guts and resilience, defending and attacking with all of their energy throughout the competition. Their ability to combine forces and maintain high intensity for the duration was commendable.
- Stratton played with plenty of heart, throwing themselves around the pitch throughout the competition. Their unwavering effort and enthusiasm were evident in every challenge.
Final Finishing Positions
The competition was a tight race, showcasing the Year 4 pupils’ development of skill and teamwork. The eventual champions were Sarnesfield, securing 1st place with their early dominance. They were followed closely by the determined Hedgerows in 2nd place, whose tenacity was a highlight of the day. Sharing a deserved 3rd place were the resilient combined side of Churchills and Gills, with the committed Stratton rounding out the competition in 5th place.
It was, without a doubt, a great fun afternoon that celebrated skill, resilience, and incredible moments of sportsmanship!
