Staff and ex pupils celebrate with one last Hockey Match.
On Friday 29th of November a team of ex-pupils, from all different year groups, returned to the hallowed astroturf to take on a team of staff in what would be the last ever hockey match to be played on the pitch. Included in the ex-pupil's representation was Malcolm Stalker who attended John Spence, at the time known as Preston High, in the 70's.
With the staff down on numbers they drafted in the experience of Stalker and former pupil Andrew Crozier who is currently attending the school on work experience. The mixed ex-pupil's team consisted of a number of players who currently represent North Shields Hockey Club, in addition to players who represented the school throughout their time at John Spence.
The staff took the early lead when Logan found himself in a perfect position in the circle to knock the ball into the goal. It was not long before the pressure from the ex-pupils got too much for the staff defence and the score was levelled going into the half time break. It was the staff again who regained the lead when Blair junior struck the ball from the edge of the circle with conviction. This again was short lived as Bertenshaw, Brunton and Lough stepped up a gear to demonstrate why they represent North Shields 1st team. The flood gates opened and the ex-pupils put 3 further goals past the staff to win the game. The game was played in great spirits and all ex-pupils
were a credit to their former school.
1 Taking The Lead / Dec 2013