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!

U11 Girls' East Regional Hockey Championships.

The girls finished their incredible season on a high, finishing 2nd in the East Regional Hockey Finals. Even though the girls are upset they did not win the tournament they should be so proud of the way they have developed their hockey skills, fitness and understanding over this year. They have come so far from the start of the season and this is all due to their hard work and commitment throughout the year.

The tournament did not get off to the best of starts with the Felsted girls still looking half asleep in the first game, resulting in a 2-1 loss against Kent College. However after a few words of encouragement (and the promise of a McDonalds if they made it through to the semi-finals!) the girls started to pick up their game and played some excellent hockey. The match of the day for me was the 4-3 thriller against South Lee and I was so impressed with the determination every Felsted girl showed to win it.

Results from the day
Vs Kent College L2-1
Vs Bedford W4-0
Vs South Lee W4-3
Vs Taverham W3-1
Semi Final vs St Johns W4-0
Final Vs Junior Kings L1-0.

Boys IAPS Hockey National Finals 2013

We had a very pleasant and fun evening and night in Street, Somerset before we set off at 8.00am to play in the Boys IAPS Hockey National Finals 2013 at Millfield School.

1st Squad: Thomas Hitchcock(Captain), Luke Bury, Johnathan Barber, Oliver Stonham, Barnaby Stoner, Thomas Walker, Samuel Wisbey, Hamish Rowe, Matthew Stratton (Goalkeeper).

Four Leagues of Five teams.
In our League we played:
Millfield  Lost 0 - 2  A very weak start by Felsted. They seemed to hope it would happen without to much effort but the teams at this level are all good and there are no easy games.
St Andrews (Woking) Lost 0 - 1. A better game but still to many individuals playing well.
We did have chances in these games but let the opposition score.
Castle Court Won 4 - 2.  0 -1 down to start with! Goals at last. A better game and a lot more passing and movement. A big step up at last. Goals by Johnathan Hoile 3, Barnaby 1.
Craigclowan 3 - 1  Again more passing and movement. A more solid defence from Luke Bury and Thomas Hitchcock.
Four matches and we were 3rd in our League which meant we were in the Plate Championship not the main competition.

A knock out competition.
Felsted played the 4th from another League: Downs School. Felsted defended efficiently through Johnathan Barber and created some effective passing to Win 3 - 1. Goals by Samuel Wisbey 2 and Thomas Walker 1.

Semi Final: v Cargifield. A tougher match. Felsted looked good for a change and were passing with style and showing their skills. Won 3 - 1. Goals by Thomas Walker 2, Johnathan 1.

Final of the Plate: v Castle Court. (From our own league) Felsted were confident and pssed the ball with precision but still the ball control was difficult on the dry bouncy astro turf. Oliver Stonham scored a cracker of a goal. The match was very even. Felsted Won 1 - 0.

Felsted Won the Plate Competition.

In the end a very good performance with some fabulous individual skills and a Plate shield and medal. Overall an enjoyable and productive experience for the whole squad and myself. Man of the Championship for Felsted was our goalkeeper Matthew Stratton who nonchalantly made several big saves at important moments in matches. Thank you to the reserves who played an important role keeping the squad alert and under pressure.

Boys' Hockey v St Faith's

2nd A  Lost 1-2 (H/T 0-0); Scorer: Jed Liddell
After a closely contested first half, both teams created chances but failed to find the net. Felsted gave away an early goal after the break and only then began to play their best hockey. A good move down the right resulted in Jed L finding the top corner. All to play for, Felsted forced 4 or 5 quick short corners and had several shots saved by their keeper, but it was St Faith’s who scored from a break-away to take the game 2-1.

2nd B – Won 6-1 (H/T 4-0); Scorers: Buttleman 2, Lewis 2, Cochrane 1, Dane 1
Felsted dominated the match from the off and scored twice within the first few minutes. Two more goals followed and at half time led 4 goals to nil. St Faith’s played better in the 2nd half. They scored a goal and could have had another, but Felsted scored two more to make the final score 6-1. An unbeaten 7 a side season with 6 wins from 6 matches.

3rd A Lost 4 – 6
A disappointing end to the VII a side season, with a defeat in the snow and hail to a good St Faith’s side that seemed to want to win slightly more than we did. At times we did play some brilliant hockey but were then guilty of giving away possession and letting them have too much freedom in the ‘D’. Overall it has been a great season and more goals scored than conceded is a good way to end the season.

3rd AB Won 4 – 0
On another bitterly cold afternoon, it took the side a little time to warm up but once they had fantastic hockey was back on the astro! There were plenty of close calls in the first half, but eventually we put the ball into the back of the net and from there on in, looked comfortable winners. The win sees the side unbeaten against equal opposition this season and that is great credit to the ambition and team work of all involved. We were also thankful once again to Xavier for some outstanding saves in both matches.

5th A drew 0-0.
This was a fair result as both sides were equally matched skills wise. However, in terms of possession and shots on goal, we should have won by double figures. It would seem as though the shooting practice has not paid off. Still, a good solid performance from the boys and some good hockey played to set up those chances meant that is was an enjoyable afternoon in difficult conditions.


5th B won 4-1
A great performance from the boys who dominated throughout the match and, unlike their A counterparts, were able to convert their opportunities. Only a moments lapse in concentration at the very end of the game lost us our clean sheet. Well done and thank you to the boys who doubled up.

U11 A  lost 1 - 2   A Summers
The last game of the season was against a very determined St Faith’s team, who sought revenge having lost in the IAPS quarter finals earlier in the week. Our opponents started very strongly, moving the ball around keeping possession well and making our defence have to work hard. With both teams creating solid chances at both ends it was St Faith’s who took the lead, splitting our defence with a really good through ball. We pressed hard, working the ball down the right well, forcing a few short corners. We equalised when the ball was stopped by the St Faith’s goal keeper and we pounced on the rebound. The game ebbed and flowed between the two circles, but again we were found a little out of position for the St Faith’s forward line to take advantage.

U11 B   lost 2 - 3  L Mulley, own goal
Again the last game of the season for the U11B team, which proved to be one of the best team performances of the season, with all players, both defence and attack, playing good expansive hockey. The attacking unit throughout the game created good chances in the opponents circle, working hard to bypass defensive tackles. St Faith’s managed to score the winning goal in the last few seconds of the game, with a fast break moving the ball quickly forward, opening up our defence.


U11 C Lost 1-2
We had much the best of the play, but narrowly missed many chances. It still looked like we would have another comfortable win, but a couple of defensive lapses let St Faith's in, and despite some second half pressure, we were unable to equalise.


U11 D Won 2-0
Playing in a huge snowfall, with temperatures plummeting, the mighty Ds continued their unbeaten season with a fine win. Really good passing, solid in defence and snipping up front from Ethan Weatherstone resulted in great team play and a convincing result.

U13 Girls' East Schools' Mini Hockey Tournament

The U13 Girls’ Hockey team travelled to Bedford for the U13 Girls' East Schools' Mini Hockey Tournament on Thursday 14th March.

They beat Brandeston 6-0, Haileybury 4-0, Spalding High 5-0 to win their section.

To reach the last four, they beat Newport Free Grammar 3-2 and the top 4 teams were very close. Unfortunately we did not play with the determination we had in the morning and drew with Greshams 0-0, lost to Sevenoaks 0-1 and lost to Queenswood 1-3, placing us 4th overall.

Boys' Hockey v Chigwell School

U11 A Won 2-0  R Aitken, T King
A spirited competitive game saw the U11 A team create numerous scoring chances against Chigwell. The team created the width to expose our opponents, particularly down the right, but we lacked the clinical finishing that could have given us a much higher score line.

U11 B Won 2-0  T Gilbert, L Mulley
The B team played some very good hockey, putting into practice the key elements we have been working upon in training. We played the ball wide so that we used the width of the pitch to expose the opponents defence. Overall a good team performance, well done boys.

U11 C Won 9-0
We we just too skilful, too fast and too strong for Chigwell. Great team play and passing, which resulted in four goals by Cooper B in the second half, two from Tom G and two from Samuel W. The defence was rock solid, a great win, well played boys.

U11 D Won 5-0
The D team continue with an unbeaten season. Great team play and skillful play down the right from Oscar M, who scored twice. Goals came from our super striker Ethan W and one from Captain Dominic S.

1st A team Won 3-0
Felsted dominated the game and pushed forward with good skills by Thomas H, Jonathan and Barnaby. Oliver controlled the center and Thomas W continued to sprint up and down saving one shot which had got round Matthew on the line. Luke managed to clean up all the attacks by Chigwell. The team needs to keep possession of the ball much more. Felsted won 3 - 0 Goals by a superb flick at a short corner into the top left corner, Johnathan and Thomas W.

1st B team Won 2 - 0
1st B team played some smooth and efficient hockey in the first half and should have scored several goals but missed the goal or a poor pass at the end 1 – 0. Goal by William after some inter play by Hamish, Christian and Sam. The defence of Harry R and Jonathan was solid but they were left outnumbered several times, allowing Chigwell in behind them 1 - 1 at half time.

The 2nd half some say they played well others the opposite. Too many individual dribbles and not enough team work would have let Chigwell score, if it weren't for some good saves by Matthew. Felsted managed to score through Sam in the end.

Well done team. Some good individual hockey but we need to get together as a team.


3rd AB VII v Chigwell U12 B VII Won 9 – 0
Another performance of brilliant hockey from both sides saw the teams dominate against Chigwell on Saturday. The hockey was fast, ambitious and intelligent with most goals coming from the right hand side of the pitch. Some of the goals were simple tap-ins, whilst others were unstoppable hits from the edge of the ‘D’, but all of them were the result of some outstanding team play. The 3rd A VII also have Xavier to thank for keeping the opposition score line to only one goal with some outstanding goalkeeping, whilst Will for the 3rd AB VII was almost caught day dreaming as he had so little to do! Overall the energy, commitment and determination of all the players involved was outstanding and we look forward to the challenge of St Faith’s with real anticipation.

IAPS U11 Boys' National Hockey Finals

On Monday 11th March the U11 Boys' Hockey team travelled to Wellington College for the IAPS National Hockey Finals. It was a bleak, cold, snowy day for all! The hockey got underway with 20 teams in the finals. We initially had four pool games to see if we could advance into the main Cup competition and defend our title from last year. The boys tried to play some expansive hockey, although we tended to lack that final cutting edge. We therefore qualified for the Plate competition.

Our quarter final was against St Faith’s who provided a quite a challenge initially. Once we started to pass the ball with confidence and moved in for the return, we dominated the match scoring twice to make the semi final. We came up against Bancroft’s School, who pressed our defensive capabilities quite strongly, however our attacking strength came through with two good goals securing a final slot against Taverham Hall.

Both teams started nervously and once we started to pass and move the ball quickly we managed to penetrate the oppositions defence more frequently. After a few missed opportunities, we scored what proved to be the winning goal with simple stick to stick hockey. Well done boys - a thoroughly deserved result.

Boys’ Hockey v Woodbridge

1st A V11 Team Won 4 - 0
The team began a little wary, but as the game developed we became much more confident and pushed forward but their defence held for a while and our attack was too narrow and heading left to often. Overall some superb hockey and skills were played out. Some lovely dribbles and passes. Not enough passing though. Matthew in Goal was not troubled much. The defenders pushed up and did create one or two dangerous break aways by the opposition but we managed to get back. 1- 0 score by Barnaby a lovely passing move. 2 - 0 by Johnny after a good run by Barnaby, 3 -0 was a big mess in the goal with Johnny putting the ball into the goal. 4 - 0 with Johnny pushing it into the goal between his legs, which he had been trying all game. Well played all the Squad.

1st B V11 Team Won 5 - 0
The squad took control straight away, with some lovely passing moves and lots of chances to score, but always just missing. A little more composure was seen in front of goal and in the last pass. It was mostly Felsted running the game, with a few break aways by Woodside. Felsted scored in the 2nd half having given away loads of chances. 1 - 0 to Christian, 2 - 0 to Hamish, 3 - 0 Hamish after some hard running by Sam, 4- 0 a short corner tap in by Christian, 5 - 0 to William who managed to get the ball past the goalkeeper in the end. Well played the squad.

3rd VII A v Woodbridge 3rd VII A Won 8 – 1
3rd VII AB v Woodbridge 3rd VII B Won 18 – 1

On an afternoon when the sun shone for the first time in a long time both teams added to the feeling of warmth with 2 utterly dominant performances that were filled with ambition, skill, intelligence and brilliance. In their match Xavier, Owen, Freddie, Tom, George, Jackson, Robert and Captain Edward were simply too strong, too organised, and too skilful for their opposition and in truth the score line could have been higher. In their match Will, Archie, Elliott, Max, Dan, Jonathan, Peter and Captain Alex were magnificent and completely outclassed their opposition, almost scoring (and at times missing!) at will. Both performances were due to a real team effort and team ethos to work hard for each other and we can only look forward to our next set of matches with confidence but no arrogance.

IAPS U11 Boys’ Regional Hockey Tournament

On Tuesday 26th February, the U11 boys’ hockey team travelled to Haileybury for the IAPS Home Countries Tournament. There were 20 teams taking part and therefore split into 4 pools. The winners of each pool eventually played each other in the semi-finals. Having won our first and second pools, we then played The Beacon in the semi-final, but sadly lost 2 - 1 in extra time. Having played some very exciting hockey we came a very creditable 3rd, qualifying for the IAPS National Finals.