Angels Scrimmage with University of Kent

The game was made possible by LFA alumna Nelly Nardelli ’12, who now plays for the University of Kent’s 1^st XI (their top team). Nelly played field hockey at LFA in Grade 8 and 9 before her parents moved to the UK in her Grade 10 year. She organised a mixed team of UofK players (from various levels of the women's teams at the uni) and showed us the warmth and hospitality that you’d recognize in so many of our Angels.

The game itself was foremost fun. It was the perfect atmosphere of good hockey and good nature. Our LFA girls really showed well too. Gabby Lee ’19 was excellent up front, collecting a couple of goals and creating all sorts of chances through the game. We did find ourselves under a fair bit of pressure at times, but Keely McConnell ’17, Frances Scheepers ’18 and Sarah Foster ’17 were superb at the back. Timely tackles against some very quick and skillful players. Claudia Aparicio ‘17 came up big on several occasions too.

In the centre of the pitch, Alex Legge ’19, Eleanor Morrison ’19 and Grace Doyle ’17 were gold. They had the formidable task of containing the top players for the University of Kent. All older and all on the 1^st XI team. One expects they learned a lot about the speed of the game…. Indeed, one of the players had starred in the National League Canterbury vs. Reading game yesterday. Rebecca Fraser ’19 played an excellent game on the wide half as did Mira Teoli ’18—who stepped back into the midfield from her normal forward role and did excellent service.

This game was nevertheless all about having a bit of fun. Mr. Fitch even played his first game for LFA but was quickly benched for being rubbish. The Kent team got a goal or two more than us, but it was never about the score. Our girls learned loads and had great insight into the game and culture surrounding university field hockey in the UK. They were also clearly amused with the witty comments and banter coming from their opponents. There was even a lengthy discussion about a stick that involved handing the stick over to the Kent girl briefly to look at it—all mid game.