Friendship And Competitive Spirit Shine At Our Astro's Official Opening

The grim weather at last night's opening of our Astro brought back many fond memories of years of competitive hockey for Bablake former pupils and the conditions in no way dampened the spirits of those who witnessed Deputy Lord Mayor of Coventry declare the excellent facility officially 'open'.

Son of an Old Wheatleyan, Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor for Earlsdon Michael Hammon spoke warmly of his link to the Coventry Schools Foundation, extolled the virtues of the new playing surface and praised our new Chair of Governors Mrs Julia McNaney. Later in the evening, at a buffet for players and guests, he also praised the standard of the hockey he witnessed.

Both Bablake and KHVIII had arranged fixtures for the current 1st XIs against their respective former pupils. Our first fixture began with two clinical strikes from county player Emily White and these goals proved crucial as our former pupils led by Beth Jepson's surging runs from midfield and Mia Davies' sorties down the wing regained their cohesion. A final score of 2-1 to our 1st XI left our Boys' XI with the challenge to maintain the current pupils' dominance. 

With the menace of Declan and Ronan Jones, dressed for sunnier climes, bearing down upon our 1st XI, and with Ollie Manning marshalling a mean defence in front of Will Vines, a sky blue beacon in goal, only self-confessed 'goal machine' James Bayliss made the score sheet in a 5-1 defeat. The match was decided early in the second half by a deft backstick flick from the left of the D by Declan Jones, a glorious finish that lifted the gloom of the driving rain. The quote 'form is temporary, but class is permanent' was heard in the post-match banter between the two sides!

Well done to all the staff involved in arranging the fixtures and hospitality, and immense thanks to our umpires for the evening. We now look forward to the continuation of individual and team success on the Astro for current and future pupils.