LVS Hassocks enjoyed an active sports day on Friday 1st July. Archery, javelin, discuss, and an obstacle run were the opening events and then the focus was on the track for the 100m and then the cross country run.
Somehow the LVS Hassocks football team mustered up enough energy to defeat their teachers in a Staff vs Students football match. In a hard fought battle the learners were victorious with a 5-2 scoreline.
The opening stages of the match were cagey as both sides knew what was at stake. Bragging rights and pride were there for the taking. No-one wanted to be the one to make a game defining mistake. The staff pushed forward but were regularly thwarted by a determined defence and an inspired Sam Alexander in the Hassocks goal. However, the physics defying goalkeeper could do nothing to keep out Simon Coopers volley as the staff took the lead. The "hairy midfielder" smashed the ball into the net in his final appearance for the staff team. It was a fine way to mark his departure from LVS Hassocks and everyone wishes him all the best for his future career.
Despite the setback, LVS learners continued to press forward in search of goals. Remarkable goalkeeping from head of centre Kira Brabenec kept them out. Eventually the learners managed to find an equaliser. Beth Farr dribbled down the left and then unleashed a powerful drive into the back of the net. Half time score: Learner 1-1 Staff.
The second half was a far more open game with both sides utterly determined to win. Beth Farr doubled her tally with a fine strike, before a fantastic team move saw Steven Bagnall play the ball to Gregor Sumner. The talismanic winger then struck low into the bottom corner of the net to give his side a two goal cushion.
The 3-1 scoreline had the appearance of a comfortable game for the learners. It was anything but comfortable when LVS Staff reduced the deficit. Mark Carrell raced into a scoring position and deftly lifted the ball into the top corner of the net. 3-2! One goal in it.
As the staff poured forward in search of redemption, they left gaps in their defence. The learners were all too eager to exploit those gaps, and made them pay when Shayan Pourani scored with a fantastic strike into the bottom corner. Beth Farr was then able to complete her hat-trick with a long range strike. The final whistle put the staff out of their misery, and ensured that the learners could win the LVS Cup and more importantly gain the bragging rights.
Full time score: Learners 5-2 Staff
Man of the match Sam Alexander was delighted that his side won the game. He said "It was a great way to end a fun sports day. We battered the staff team with our great counter attacking football. I had to make some saves, but we all played really well and shamed the teachers who have been telling us that they would beat us."
Departing LVS staff member Simon Cooper enjoyed the game even though he ended up on the losing side. He said "Everyone had such a good time and played the game in such a good spirit. Well done to the learners who worked hard as a team and showed that you can achieve great things when you work together. It is days and moments like these that I will miss the most. I wish all of the learners and the staff here at LVS Hassocks all the best."
