The Big Staff Game!
Write-up by Alex Cowell
The atmosphere in this match was absolutely electric in this game, so much drama, but mostly fun around this place as we come to the end of the school year. It was very hard to predict what the outcome was going to be, as the match was only around 30 mins.
As the match got underway, everyone was roaring. As the game progressed, Team Beatrup/Doyle were mostly on top after the first few minutes, keeping possession of the ball very well. They were almost like professionals. The first goal of the match went in for team Beatrup/Doyle but the goal is ruled out, as it was offside, which gave Team Macavoy a huge sigh of relief. Still, they couldn’t contain team Beatrup/Doyle’s main man, Mr Parker, who panenka'd fellow P.E teacher Mr Pearson to put his team ahead. Things were starting to look worrying for team McEvoy.
Half time was approaching, and team McEvoy began to push forward more, with Mr Bridges and Mr Jenner looking like their biggest threats. Both sides struggled to keep the tempo under control as the noise around the pitch was incredible, just like a real league or cup match. Referee Mrs Dawe blew for half time with the score at 1-0 to team Beatrup/Doyle.
The second half kicked off, and almost instantly team Beatrup/Doyle scored again, this time from Mr Lambert with a long‑range strike. However, it must be noted that it wasn’t the best goalkeeping, and the keeper definitely could have kept it out.
At 2-0, the match looked wrapped up, with team Beatrup/Doyle looking comfortable. But team McEvoy weren’t done. Shots kept flying wide, especially from Mr Bridges, until finally team McEvoy hit back on the counter. Mr Bridges rounded the goalkeeper and tucked the ball into an empty net, making it 2-1 and dragging his team back into the game.
They were still nervous, but the match wasn’t over. Team McEvoy won a corner, taken by Mr Jenner, who had been impressive in midfield. He delivered it perfectly, and Mr Bridges rose again to score a brilliant goal. Many thought he would be the one to get the best out of team McEvoy, and he proved them right, making it 2-2 with just minutes left.
Unfortunately, the match ended earlier than expected, finishing in a 2-2 stalemate. The atmosphere from every year group was incredible, exactly what everyone hoped for, and it was a brilliant game to watch as the last hour of the day arrived on the penultimate day of term. Let’s hope this kind of football match happens again at Tavistock College — it was amazing to attend, and it’s one that will never be forgotten.
