Girls' U18 Footballers Reach National Final

Haileybury's U18 girls' football team reached the final in their first appearance at the National ISFA seven-a-side tournament on Sunday (14 October).

The girls won three of their five group games, against Cheltenham Ladies College (2-1), City of London School (1-0) and Leweston (3-1) and went on to draw with Bede's (1-1) and KES Witley (1-1). This meant Haileybury came second in their group and played other group winner George Heriot's School, Edinburgh in the semi-final. George Heriot's took the lead twice before Haileybury, equalised, taking the game to penalties and eventually winning 4-3.

Haileybury faced Bede's in the final, who succeeded in defending their title, winning 2-0. However, the girls were rightly delighted with their performance and their runner-up pennants.

Lizzie Dunning captained the team and was the Player of the Tournament, scoring seven of our ten goals. She led the team with great spirit and determination along with her excellent technique, balance and athleticism. However, Haileybury are not a 'one-man team' and every girl played her part. Alexia Ndongo-Seh was terrific in goal with three great saves in the penalty shootout. Millie Leonard, Lucie Fournier and Jessica Brenninkmeijer (who scored the winning penalty) alternated in defence and Clare Clough and Katrina Rawson-McKenzie (who also scored an excellent goal against Leweston) played in midfield with Lizzie. Ellie Miller and Summer Crosse came on in each game to add energy and Juliana Velasco played as a lone striker, scoring a great volley against City of London to win that match. Well done everyone!