June 30th 2025
Staff claim victory again
On a sun-drenched afternoon earlier this week, the annual Year 8 Leavers vs The Staff football match took place in front of a lively crowd and under soaring summer temperatures. With pride, tradition, and the all-important trophy on the line, this year’s fixture was another classic in the making.
The Year 8s arrived with hopes high, looking to rewrite the history books and claim their first ever victory over the staff team. With plenty of energy and no shortage of determination, they gave the seasoned staff side a real test.
The match was played over four competitive but good-spirited quarters, allowing for maximum participation. Twenty staff members rotated throughout the match, while the pupil team was split into four squads, ensuring that every player had their chance to shine.
Early on, it was the staff who made the breakthrough. In the first quarter, a well-worked move saw captain Mr Sparrow break down the right and deliver a perfectly weighted ball across the box. Mr Corbett was waiting at the back post to calmly slot home what would turn out to be the only goal of the match.
The game remained tight throughout, with end-to-end action and chances for both sides. Mr English and Mr Edwards shared the goalkeeping duties for the staff and were called into action several times, producing key saves to deny the spirited Year 8s an equaliser.
Debuts were handed to Mrs Braden, Miss Dutton, and Mr Thorp, all of whom made immediate impacts. Their tireless work at the back helped keep the pupils at bay, with well-timed tackles, relentless tracking, and composed clearances showing just why the staff team were so keen to get them on board.
Despite the scoreline, the Year 8s can hold their heads high. Their attacking flair, determination, and sportsmanship were a credit to the school, and they came closer than any team before them to upsetting the staff's long-standing dominance.
A big thank you goes out to all the staff and pupils who took part and made the afternoon such a memorable one. In the end, it’s the staff who retain bragging rights – and the trophy – for another year. But the future of school football looks very bright indeed.
