![Canford_CraighouseHockey]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1663925762/canfordcom/ocvd2cmc8qxqcjj1qqvj/hockey-9016.jpg","width":1612}])
It was wonderful to finally be able to welcome Craighouse School from Santiago back to Canford after an unusually long break with their 2 year visit put on hold due to the pandemic.
Rugby and girls’ hockey teams played a series of matches during the afternoon of 15th September putting our Canford 1st teams through their paces in some fast paced games which were great experience at the start of the new season.
Restarting this sporting rivalry that dates back to the 90’s. Craighouse always come to us off the back of their season which means they are already battle hardened as a group but for the first quarter of the 1st XV game both teams probed without being able to gain a foothold in the match. Canford’s defence was notable, allowing us to win a string of penalties and march the Chileans back towards their goal line. However as the match progressed the visitors piled on the pressure and points fell swiftly, with Craighouse running out deserved winners 32-0.
Two of the girls’ hockey players were involved in the national Chile U18 team and the side played a quick and aggressive style from the off. Nonetheless Canford showed determination and guile to stay competitive and the match was tied at 1-1 at the break. The second half was just as compelling, with Craighouse still having the better of the possession and chances but Canford’s goalkeeper keeping them at bay. Eventually the pressure told, as Craighouse countered and scored through an overload. A late barrage of penalty corners gave us hope for another equaliser but the game ended 2-1 to the visitors.
Following the matches all the players and staff enjoyed a BBQ social evening in the Round Garden.
Director of Sport Tony Diprose commented:
“This was such a memorable way to start our new sporting year. It was fantastic to finally be able to welcome Craighouse and not only will our pupils have gained valuable match play to take forwards into school fixtures, but they also had the chance to make friends and build connections with the Chileans which I am sure will endure well beyond their visit. Many thanks to everyone involved in making this such a positive experience.”
Match reporting by Peter Short and Matt Collison
