Stretford High School

Stretford High took to the handball pitch for the first time in their history last week. Mr Holder and Mr Fielding have been working since September on coaching and educating Year 7,8 and 9 on the demands of handball.

We travelled to Parswood High School to take on a quick team in very cold conditions. The squad listened to every instruction that was given to them and followed a strict game plan to the letter. Every player understood that defence was just as important as attack and busted a lung to get back and make themselves “BIG”. Stretford performed block after block early on and limited Parswood to attempts from distance. The hard work paid off as Adam blocked and broke clear to score Stretford High’s first ever goal with an unorthodox football style throw-in! The team lifted and realised they had

the ability and intelligence to achieve. This was followed by a delicate lob from Michael and another powerful finish by Adam. Stretford went in to the break 3-0 up after a superb defensive performance produced attacking rewards. With Parswood becoming increasingly aware of Stretford’s tactics, an attacking change was made at half time to place Kevin as the “line” player. This allowed Kevin to get in just behind the defence and quickly shot his way to a ruthless hat-trick. Michael Ravenscroft added another hardfought individual goal to take the score to 7-0. Parswood finally made the breakthrough as Stretford gave away a harsh penalty which was dispatched with great accuracy. A tiring Stretford High team allowed a further two goals towards the end but the damage had been done and Stretford came away with a well organised and determined 7-3 win. 

 History has been made, and the plaudits must go to:

 Adam (c) Kevin Michael  Bradley  Callum  Gurdev  Maan  Itsham  & Daniel