Match Reports
Girls' Netball and Boys' Hockey games against Cargilfield
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
Girls' Netball
1st Team
1st Netball v Cargilfield
Belhaven 17 – Cargilfield 21
The team welcomed Cargilfield on a lovely sunny afternoon and having lost the toss, Cargilfield started the game. Very even play in the first quarter saw both teams scoring from their centre passes. Maggie and Bee had to work hard to create space as they were against some talented defenders. Beatrix and Sophia were kept busy in defence as game moved from end to end. By the end of the first quarter, Cargilfield were just one goal ahead.
As we started the second quarter, Iris, Emily and Bella made great passes in the middle of the court and Emily managed to intercept several Cargilfield centre passes. Clemmie moved to play GD to support Sophia in the circle and used her height and stretch to her advantage. By half time, Cargilfield were still just one goal ahead.
The third quarter became a little sloppy with some poor passing and the girls struggling to create space on the court. The Cargilfield team made it difficult for them to pass the ball into their attacking circle and their GD marked the attackers well. Sophia switched to play WD this quarter and worked well in the centre with Iris. Cargilfield managed to break a couple of our centre passes to take them into the lead by 3 goals.
Still with everything to play for, Iris switched with Bee to work with Maggie in the circle. The team fought back, ensuring passes were more accurate and the centre passes worked really well. It wasn’t quite enough though to equalise the game.
Well played today girls, we knew the opposition would be tough but wit was an evenly contested game and one into which you put 100% effort.
Player of the match voted by Cargilfield: Bella
2nd Team
2nd Belhaven Netball v Cargilfield
Belhaven 20 – Cargilfield 21
Belhaven Senior 2nds suffered a very narrow 21–20 loss to Cargilfield in a closely fought netball match that kept everyone on edge until the final whistle.
Belhaven started the match well, with strong passing through the court from Holly and Theodora helping the team move the ball confidently into the attacking circle. Accurate shooting from Rose and Anastasia allowed Belhaven to build an early lead, while Calantha worked hard to create space and provide strong support in attack.
Cargilfield responded with some quick interceptions, but Belhaven’s defence stood strong. Imogen, Molly and Sylvia applied excellent pressure in the defensive circle, forcing several turnovers and keeping the game tight.
Throughout the second and third quarters, both teams battled hard for possession. Belhaven showed great teamwork, with Imogen controlling the centre court and linking play effectively between defence and attack. Some brilliant movement in the circle from Rose helped Belhaven stay within touching distance on the scoreboard.
Going into the final quarter, the match was incredibly close. Belhaven pushed hard, with Anastasia scoring some crucial goals under pressure. The defence also worked tirelessly, with Imogen making key interceptions to give Belhaven another chance to attack.
In the final moments, Belhaven came agonisingly close to taking the win but ultimately finished just one goal short, with Cargilfield securing a 21–20 victory.
Despite the result, Belhaven showed excellent determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout the match. Standout performances from Rose and Imogen helped make it a fantastic contest.
U9 Team
Belhaven Under 9’s versus Cargilfield
In our penultimate fixture of the season, the Belhaven team travelled to Cargilfield in what was likely to be their most challenging fixture yet. Despite a massive rain shower catching us on the way to Edinburgh, the weather was fine, and with the Cargilfield U9 court snuggled neatly inside a group of buildings, the sweeping wind was kept at bay to create nice conditions for Netball. In a unique situation, we agreed to play a round-robin against two separate Cargilfield teams. Team Thunder and Team Lightning.
The first match against Thunder started slowly with Belhaven a little sluggish after the bus ride. Iris was moving with intent though and Eliza was commanding the midfield. Eliza scored the only goal of the game with a nicely taken shot.
Each game saw our usual rotation of positions and Belhaven improved their performance level in the second game against Lightning with some swift passing moves and dynamic defending, particularly from Madeline. However, some quality shooting from Cargilfield saw them run out 3-0 victors.
In the second match against Thunder Belhaven continued to improve with a big effort from Ottie and Ayleen creating chances. Tessa took these chances well scoring two goals to win the third game 2-0.
Our last match was against the strong Lightning team and despite carving out a couple of good changes, Belhaven were unable to convert with Cargilfield again showing their quality and running out 2-0 winners.
Final totals: Belhaven 3 – 5 Cargilfield
Coach’s thoughts:
It is always tricky going to Cargilfield and to pick up two wins out of four is a positive return on a positive performance. All the players applied themselves well and are now finding their strengths. Either as a defender winning back possession, a midfielder linking play, or as an attacker scoring goals. With one game to go I will challenge players to not overthink their decisions and play with speed. This was happening in patches against Cargilfield and something I think we can do even better.
Player of the match: Tessa
Boys' Hockey
1st Team
1st Boys’ Hockey
Opponents: Cargilfield Time: 2.00pm
Date: Wednesday, 11th March Venue: Cargilfield
Having faced Cargilfield on three occasions already this season (IAPS, Merchi & Strathallan), we headed into the capitol today knowing that it was going to be a good, tough, competitive match against a skilfull team that played a very similar style of passing game.
Having missed our Tuesday training session due to the Merchi Cross-Country, a break-time meeting was called to discuss tactics with a couple of new approaches introduced. Having beaten them twice and lost once, this was the only full-length game that we would play them and the boys were desperate to win it.
Cargi had the hit-off and for the first few minutes no-one seemed to be dominant but then, six minutes in, Wilbur found himself in a little bit of space an fired a screamer past their ‘keeper to give Belhaven an early lead.
In the second quarter, Belhaven seemed to have the best of play but both teams gave no quarter and threw everything into attack, moving the ball around the pitch quickly and accurately. Eventually, however, Cargi earned themselves a PC and their striker absolutely drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
At half time, I spoke to the boys about focus and ensuring that they each did their job and played their part and I was delighted with how they all responded. Tristan and Geordie began communicating even better and their decision making was good and dynamic as they adjusted to Cargilfield’s attacking play. Wilbur worked hard on sticking to his man and our passing game improved as the boys worked on the intensity of their passes. Unfortunately we did concede another goal but that was through some excellent play by Cargi and was well deserved.
And so we went into the final quarter a goal down. Some boys and some teams might have dropped their heads and lost their spirit, but not this lot. They worked even harder with Pat, Fred and Xander pressing high and to good effect, putting the Cargi defenders under pressure and winning a number of high turnovers. Some nice passing saw Pat score a super goal from close range to level things up and then, only a few minutes later, a fierce ball was fired into the circle (by Geordie or Wilbur, I think) and Xander got a lovely touch on it to deflect it past the ‘keeper and send us into the lead.
The final four minutes of the match were breathless and slightly frantic but very exciting with both teams seeming to up the ante once again and throwing everything into it – Cargi attacking and firing balls and men forward while Belhaven defended as if their lives depended on it. Toby made some vital saves, one or two from close range and then, the final blast sounded and Belhaven emerged from the debris as victors.
This really was a wonderful display of prep school heart and hockey and, I think, one thoroughly appreciated by all the spectators. It contained everything: brilliant passing, determination, dazzling skills, fierce shots at goal, overheads, interceptions, heart, hard work, teamwork and certainly some frustrations and moments of anger. The boys were physically (and emotionally) drained at the end but then they went off and enjoyed a super match tea with the Cargi boys and discussed all that had happened – exactly what sport is all about.
Final Score: Belhaven Hill 3 - 2 Cargilfield
Players of the Match: Patrick & Xander. Pat was effective on the left wing and scored a good goal; Xander worked hard and got a great touch to give us the lead.
WT
2nd Team
Match Report: U13 2nds vs Cargilfield
Despite the final score of 15–2 in favour of Cargilfield, our boys produced some of the best team hockey I have seen from them this season. From the first whistle to the last, the team worked hard, supported each other, and showed great determination throughout the match.
Cargilfield proved to be a very strong side on Wednesday, but our players continued to battle and play as a team. Our goalkeeper, Leo, had a particularly demanding game and showed great resilience under pressure. He made several fantastic saves which prevented the scoreline from becoming even higher.
Kasper and the defence worked tirelessly at the back, putting in a huge amount of effort. Up front, Tommy showed great determination, constantly pressing and looking for opportunities.
What stood out most was the attitude of the boys. Throughout the entire match they kept their heads high, supported one another, and never gave up. At the final whistle they showed excellent sportsmanship by shaking hands with their opponents and remaining respectful.
Despite the result, I was extremely proud of the team and the way they represented themselves and the school.
Miss Dyer
3rd Team
3rd Team Hockey
Belhaven 6 v 5 Cargilfield
Having just watched the Belhaven 2nd team take quite a beating against Cargilfield’s 2nds, we were a little hesitant to face their 3rd team. The odds were certainly against us! However, with Juan (the usual 1st team keeper) we had an ace up our sleeve.
Juan certainly kept Belhaven in the game, palming shots away and diving for balls throughout the match. It really was a sight to behold and made it difficult for Cargi to score. However, the outfield players were equally impressive and certainly deserved their victory.
Santi managed to pick up four goals, two from running penalties and another brace from strong attacking play. Fergus deserved his goal in the second half, controlling the centre of the pitch well. Aubrey scored the winning goal, which was just reward for his performance throughout the match. He, Oak and Llewyn provided width out wide, with Rocco and William working tirelessly in both attacking positions and defence. Hugo and Robin provided key interceptions and clearance at the back to ensure that the result was in Belhaven’s hands.
A wonderful result against a very good team, well done boys!
Goals: Fergus, Aubrey, Santi (4)
Men of the Match: Santi & Juan
