The Big Match
Level 3 Sounds to look out for: mixed sounds
It was the day of the big match. Niamh had been practising with her hurley every evening after school. Even so, she felt nervous. Her tummy was full of butterflies.
The whistle blew and the match began. The sliotar flew up and down the pitch. Niamh ran as fast as she could, but the other team was strong.
At half time, her team was behind by two points. Niamh sat on the grass and took three slow, deep breaths. Her coach smiled at her. Just do your best and enjoy it, he said.
In the second half, Niamh felt calmer. She watched the sliotar closely. When it came towards her, she caught it in her hand, ran forward and struck it hard.
The sliotar flew high between the posts. A point! The crowd cheered. Her team kept going and, in the last minute, they scored again.
The match ended in a draw. Niamh didn't mind one bit. She had been brave, she had tried her best, and she couldn't wait for the next match.
- How did Niamh feel before the match?
- What did Niamh do at half time to feel calmer?
- What did the coach say?
- Why didn't Niamh mind that the match was a draw?