THE Tavistock College Year 7 football squad embarked on the tough challenge of competing in the Devon football finals earlier this term.

They had already impressively beaten Okehampton to qualify for the finals. The competition was in a league format of eight teams, with the girls having to play seven games of 10 minutes in the gruelling heat. 

Tavistock girls realised the huge task ahead after narrowly losing the first two games, but showed great resilience to be unbeaten in the next four games. It was with immense pride and commitment that the girls were able to bounce back from the early setbacks to produce some outstanding football.

Shaun Hulbert from the college said: ‘Even though they lost the last game against Lipson, taking an overall fifth place in Devon was a fantastic achieve-ment. 

‘The girls also found time to cheer on Horrabridge Primary, who finished third in the Under 10s event.

‘There were many outstanding perform-ances including the string of brilliant saves from Chloe Knight in goal to keep four consecutive clean sheets and then follow this by amazingly scoring straight from a goalkick. 

‘It is also important to highlight the player of the tournament Tilly Murdoch. Her powerful runs from midfield were brilliant and resulted in being our top goalscorer.  She is definitely a footballer to keep an eye on.

‘The girls were a credit to the college and again displayed the persistence, work ethic and team spirit mixed with skill to be successful at the highest level.’

Results: Tavistock 0 Paignton 1; Coombeshead 2 Tavistock 0; Tavistock 0 Park 0; Tavistock 1 (scorer: Tilly Murdoch) Wynstream 0; ISCA 0 Tavistock 0; Tavistock 1 (scorer: Tilly Murdoch) Exmouth 0; Lipson 2 Tavistock 1 (scorer: Chloe Knight)