Girls' Hockey Report 2013

U13A
Played: 6 - Won 6. Unbeaten season
2^nd in IAPs Regionals
National finalists (nationals were cancelled due to bad weather)
The U13A team have been a force to be reckoned with this season. We have focused on fitness, high speed skills with control and the ability to play a variety of positions. Their power and speed in attack have caused major problems for opposition throughout the season. In defence we have stepped up early and not given the opposition any time to play. Our real strength has been that we have always played as a squad of 10 players rather than individuals. It has been a joy to watch some of the goals this season; the fluidity of the passing and movement off the ball has been exceptional. The only time we have looked vulnerable has been when we stopped playing together and working for each other and tried to play on our own. The highlight of the season for me is the 3-0 win over Gresham’s in the IAPs semi-finals to get through to the Nationals. Although the Nationals were cancelled we are hoping to attend a tournament with the same teams in January to fight for the crown of National Champions. A great season and thoroughly enjoyable to watch the girls play some excellent hockey.  


U13B
Played: 8.   Won: 6.   Drew: 2.
Unbeaten season.
The U13 B team have had a fantastic season. We have focused on fitness, high speed skills and positional movement throughout the season. It is so pleasing to see so many of the girls improving their skills and building up their confidence to play at a higher pace. All of the girls in the B team are able to play a variety of positions confidently in match play. The team has often played against higher opposition from other schools and have had to fight back from being 2-0 down on one occasion. It just goes to show the strength and determination of the players and their fitness to continue playing high level and skilful hockey until the last minute to secure the win. A well-deserved unbeaten season for the girls. I look forward to next year with many of these girls coming up to the A team and leading the school hockey. 

 

U13C

Played: 9.  Won: 3.  Drew: 4  Lost: 2

The C team have lost 2 games all season, one at the very start and the other against Bishops Stortford. Both were by 0-1 and both times it was against the run of play. In other words, we should have won!! We scored 19 goals, conceding 8. The team took a while to settle and there were several changes on the forward line due to injuries and illnesses but I was pleased at how the skill level improved as the season progressed.

Suzannah van Tuyll was top goal scorer and was ably supported by Luella Hutley who played in either wing position. Annabel van Tuyll was solid as centre midfield, keeping the team together. The captain Shola Akindayini did a brilliant job as captain, on and off the pitch

U13 D

Played: 7.   Won:4    Lost:3

The D team changed from week to week as different players were given the chance to prove themselves and again because of unavailability for a variety of reasons. This resulted in a mixed bag of results. The highlight of the season was beating Bishops Stortford 4-2, with Charlotte Guild scoring all 4! Charlotte then became a C team player!!

Regular players were Siosi Tameifuna, Amelia Burrows and Catalina King who provided the framework to build the team around. Catalina King was magnificent in defence towards the end of the season and Amelia Burrows kept the game flowing in the centre midfield position with her calm play. Thanks to Abby Joy who stepped in as goal keeper for several matches and for all of the other players who were selected.

U13 E&F 

Played 5   Won 3  Lost  2 

A talented U13 E&F Squad who have been working hard to develop their individual core skills and their team work in game situations.  Results have varied throughout the this term, and although some games were close, results did not always go  their way, but they maintained their team spirit and continued to work hard together to achieve their much deserved win in the last game of the season.  A big thank you to Jess Rodgers for all her fantastic match reports.

Squad: Darcy Hayde,​ Molly Mankelow, Natasha Farrow, Sophie Norton ,Lucy Beaton Brown Charlotte Witcomb and Abby Joy have all had the opportunity to play up and with Annabel Cload, Natasha Farrow, Issy Broom, Harriett Beer, Neve Hollett, Tilly Atkinson, Cadia Lodge, Polly Pryor​​  ​and Princess Florain All maintained a positive attitude and commitment to training and matches.  Belief in their own ability for the whole term, I have had a brilliant time coaching these girls.

U11 A&B

Played 6  Won  1  Lost  5

Won IAPS regionals

10^th In the IAPS Nationals

The U11 A and B teams have worked very hard this term to improve their skills and although they have not won all their matches, you can see a vast improvement over the term. The highlight for the A team was  winning the IAPS East Region tournament and going on to be 10th in the  country in the finals.

U11 C&D

Played 9: Won 2.  Drew: 2 Lost: 5

The girls have trained with great enthusiasm and determination all term. Their fitness levels have improved as they have played their hearts out in practice and in their matches. The girls have changed positions learning the different roles and positional play until the strongest combination was discovered. The C team played six matches of which they won 2, drew 1 and lost 3.  Elise Bury and Imogen Donald were strong in attack but chased back if they lost possession. Anna Jewell developed the skills and speed necessary to make her a promising left wing. Pippa Duncan and Sophie Williams improved their defending skills and were ably assisted in matches by Tabby Fox, Olivia Turner-Jones and Renee Foster-Kershaw. The D team played four matches; Renee Foster-Kershaw, Olivia Turner-Jones, Poppy Buckenham and Freya Donald played pivotal roles. Emily Green and Roo Nicholson rotated in the forward line whilst Horatia Duggan, Sophie Imber and Nyah Mohindru took turns in defence.  Lydia Townsend played goalie for the C team and Anouska Duggan the D team. Both were new to this position and also played for other team: gaining knowledge, skill and confidence as the season progressed. Our results would not have been so good without them. In both teams, the game play, stick work and passing skills greatly improved, although, they know that they still need to concentrate on moving towards the ball when receiving, passing the ball quickly and marking the opposition with greater tenacity. 

U11 E&F

Played:  3    Won: 2    Lost: 1

I have enjoyed coaching the E and F team. They have all worked hard to improve their skills and awareness during the game. As the term progressed they began to play well together, listening to each and working as a team to defend their D and push forward to score goals. Thank you for your hard work and determination girls.

Girls' Hockey v Bishop's Stortford

U13A Won  3-0
In horrible weather the U13A team put together a good performance with some fluid passing in places and great work in defence. Eve scored two excellent solo goals and Olivia got the final goal to seal the win. We did play too much in the middle of the pitch towards the end of the first half but once we started to use our wings again we played some excellent hockey.

U13B Won  6-1
We got off to a slow start but as soon as we started to build up our passes and move for each other Felsted never looked like losing. Sophie scored 4 goals, all of which were beautiful team goals, Hannah and Antonia scored the remaining two. Overall an excellent performance with lots of attacking positives and some excellent defending, Fenella played a blinder at left back all game.

U13C  0-1
The girls played with commitment and skill in this well matched competition. Captain, Shola Akindayini, in particular had a lot to do and made some important tackles. The goal came just before half time when an unusual mistake from the defence left a player unmarked who slotted the ball in past the goal keeper. We created several chances ourselves but were unable to convert them. An undeserved loss, but one which showed up our weaknesses in marking.

U13D 4-2
The forwards of Siosi Tameifuna, Scarlett Booty and Charlotte Guild moved well to create space, passing with strength and control. Charlotte Guild slotted in all 4 goals, shooting whenever she had the chance. The defence began to support the forwards much better in the second half, with Catalina King making timely interceptions and tackles. To improve further, we need to attack down the right much more and create some set moves for side-line hits.

U11C  0-1
Once again the girls rose to the occasion; they gave a much stronger team a really good run for their money. They fought hard and defended brilliantly, with Mollie Mead, the goal keeper, keeping the score down. They never gave up and tried tirelessly to get the ball into our half of the pitch to score a goal. Pippa Duncan and Elise Bury were once again extremely strong, thinking about their positional play and spreading the ball to the right. The other girls played various positions successfully as we tried to find a winning combination.

U11D  0-2
The score does not reflect the growth of these girls. The improvement in their game play can be seen in each match as they think about the concepts taught and put into practice their skill development. They had several breaks and were unlucky to score. Never once did they give in, making the opposition play hard to secure their win. Despite their loss the girls continue to play with enjoyment which is paramount and is a pleasure to witness.

Girls' Hockey v St John’s & Chigwell

U13A Won 10-1
The A team played some lovely hockey on Wednesday winning convincingly 10-1. We put together some excellent passes, moved off the ball and got into shooting positions. I was very impressed with the girls work rate going forward, however we still need to remember to work just as hard in defence. We gave away a weak goal and need to be ready all the time. An excellent score line though with lots of different scorers.

U13B Won 5-3
The B team played some excellent hockey in places, moving for each other and getting lots of goal scoring opportunites. I was very impressed again with their work rate and they never gave up. It was a close game, 1-0 to St Johns at half time, and it wasn't until the last 10 minutes that Felsted looked like they had sealed the win. A very impressive game though by all the squad.

U13B Won 4-0
The girls played well as a team, using the defence to transfer the ball to both sides of the pitch. Hannah Cowie used her long reach to keep control of the ball, resulting in 3 great goals.  Sophie Bendon worked hard in the middle and deserved her goal, though could have scored many more. The defence marked tightly and tackled consistently well, smothering any attacks from Chigwell.

 U13D Won 3-0
Several girls were substituted throughout the game, playing a variety of positions. Scarlett Booty proved how versatile she is playing well in both attack and defence. Everyone gave of their best and kept up a fast-action play. Charlotte Guild, Sophie Norton and Issy Broom scored a goal apiece. A well-deserved win.

U13C Drew 1-1
This was a well contested game with the ball travelling quickly from end to end. St John’s were quick to close us down, resulting in a few panic passes. Suzannah Van Tuyll scored a timely goal to make us level. The game showed up our weaknesses on not meeting the ball when it is passed, which is what we will be working on for when we play Bishops Stortford next week.

U13D Lost 2-9
All the girls who hadn’t played so far had their chance in this game, but they were overwhelmed by the speed of St Johns in moving the ball and taking quick free hits. There were several substitutions throughout the game and everyone played their best, with Polly Prior and Neve Hollett scoring our goals and Darcy Hayden working hard in defence to keep the score line down! Keeping the shape of the team – ie wingers staying wide – is to be worked on for next week.

U13E Won 6-1
On Wednesday 9th October the U13Es played at home against St Johns College. Everyone played well and there was great teamwork. In particular Cadia Lodge and Scarlet Booty played well with some fantastic marking! The girls scored some amazing goals but do need to work on some communication skills. Overall the girls won 6-1. Thank you to Mrs Green and the squad for playing a brilliant match! Well done.

Girls' Hockey IAPS Finals

The U13A team went to the IAPS on Wednesday with the aim of qualifying for the Nationals in November. We started very strongly winning our first two games 8-0 and 4-0. We then started to back off the opposition and gave them too much time on the ball. This resulted in a 2-1 loss and a 0-0 draw. In the final group game we again stepped up to the mark against Orwell Park and put in a convincing 3-0 win. The semi-final saw us facing rivals Gresham's. Felsted played the best hockey I have seen in a long time and Gresham's couldn't get close. We put pressure on the player with the ball and every single girl in the squad worked hard for each other. We won 3-0. In the final Felsted lost 2-1 but we have qualified for the National finals to be held at Queenswood. A huge well done to all the girls for their excellent effort on Wednesday, as I said to them I can not fault a single one of them for their work rate and attitude throughout the entire day. Bring on the Nationals!!

Girls' Hockey v Gresham's School

U13 A Won 3-2
This was a very close tough first game of the season for the Felsted girls. Greshams showed lots of individual skill and this rattled Felsted at first but with two excellently struck short corners by N Hebron we took a 2-0 lead. Greshams came back fighting and it took a late goal by L Bailes to secure Felsted the win. A great deal of positive play but still many things to develop over the next few weeks.

U13 B Drew 4-4
Felsted got off to a flying start, passing the ball well to each other, and everyone put in 100% effort. At half time we had a comfortable 4-1 lead. In the second half, however Felsted started to panic and gave the ball away too often, resulting in a 4-4 draw. Goals by H Squibb (2) and S  Bendon (2).

U13 C  Lost 0-1
Considering this was the first game with very little practice, the team played well and should have won easily with the number of chances they had. Unfortunately a late goal as the girls were pushing forward led to an undeserved loss. The girls form a promising team.

U13 D Lost 0-6
Greshams School were too quick for us, getting to the ball first and passing with much more strength. The game was useful to pin point what skills need to be worked on in the coming weeks.

U11 A Lost 1-2
Although we scored the first goal and have the potential to do well, we gave the game away as Greshams had better skills than us. We have the enthusiasm and determination, but just need to learn how to control the ball and move faster around the pitch.

U11 B lost 6-0
Again we scored the first goal and showed good determination. We need to work on our positional play and improve our skills before the next match.

Boys' Hockey v Bancroft's

4th XI vs Bancroft's (h)
A wet, cold and windy day on the lower Astro saw the 4th XI take on the might of the Bancroft's 3rd XI. The game was a tense and tight affair that showcased the skill, grit, determination and work rate of the 4th XI. Toby Guild opened the scoring with a well taken effort from some superb attacking play. Bancrofts then levelled and the score remained at 1-1 until the final whistle. A creditable draw against another School's 3rd XI ensured that the 4th team have yet to lose a game this season.

4th XI vs Bedford (a)
A cold but productive afternoon for the 4th XI. Starting with a 3-4-3 formation yielded some lovely moments down the right wing which eventually resulted in a goal for Tobias Butler from Harry Britton's cross. At half time the formation was changed to an adventurous 3-3-4 with the introduction of George Timmis. The counter attacking hockey on display throughout the second half coupled with some beautiful passing interchanges through the middle of the pitch resulted in 2 more goals (Timmis and Butler) without reply ensuring the 4th XI joined the 4th A Vii and 4th B Vii in completing an undefeated season.

1st/2nd V Bancroft's
Felsted dominated the early play and moved the ball well. On the right wing Thomas Walker was involved throughout and scored the first goal. 1 - 0 . Johnathan Hoile nipped in for a neat second from a short corner and then Thomas added a third. 3 - 0 . However instead of forging ahead Felsted started to carry the ball and were punished with some sloppy defence 3 - 1. Bancroft seized their chance and worked really hard to pressurise the player on the ball and scored again 3 - 2 just before half time.

An early strike from Bancroft's in the 2nd half put the score level 3- 3. The game could have gone either way, so it was with some relief that Thomas Walker scored his 2nd goal by cleverly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper into the roof of the net. The final whistle seemed a long time coming as Felsted tried to keep the opposition out of the D. Final score 4 - 3 to Felsted.

Boys' Hockey v Bedford

U11 A   won 7 - 0   R Aitken 2, A Summers 3, O Butler, T King
After a tentative start, we started to pass the ball effectively using the pitch's width to good effect. The movement was good exploiting the Bedford defence well. It was also pleasing to see a short corner set play come off! An excellent way to end the hugely successful season, well done boys.

U11 B   won 6 - 3   L Mulley 4, S Winter 2
Playing against the U10As, we looked a little out of sorts to begin with and quickly our defence was opened wide and we went two behind. With some good passing and movement the scoreline was trimmed back, however it was until we went 3 - 1 down did the fireworks start! For period of about 8 minutes the goals kept coming due to quick movement and accurate passing. A thoroughly deserved win, well done.

U11 C v Bedford Won 3-0
A fine win by a side that has been playing some super hockey this term. Accurate passing and overall speed proved too much for the opposition, and there were great goals from Tom Gilbert, our super striker, Cooper Baker and flying wing Samuel Winter. Well played boys!

U11 D v Bedford Won 3-1
An unbeaten season for the Ds! Great team play and resolution to come back from 1-0 down at half time. Once we started attacking down the right, we proved too strong and goals came from Alex Swift (2) and Ethan Weatherstone. A great season, all the boys played well and gelled into a really good team. Excellent stuff, boys!