Winchester Hockey Club Oracle Edition 7

Weekend Summary

Welcome to another edition of the Winchester Hockey Oracle.

In this edition, you will find an interview with Neil Souter, Mens Academy captain and U16 boys coach. We have a number of senior players coaching junior teams this season, which must be beneficial for the players’ development, and it is great to see the links between the senior and junior clubs strengthening.

We had another very busy weekend of fixtures, many of them against Trojans. We came second best against them this time, with only the boys under 12 B-team claiming a win. The Anthony Munden Architect Under 16 girls performed creditably against a very strong Alton side, but came up short and the Team Forghetti Under 16 Boys Academy continued their dominant form with another resounding 6-1 victory against Bath Buccs.

With half term approaching, it’s a much quieter weekend coming up. Enjoy your Sunday lie in if you have a week off.

But we do have 2 half term camps to look forward to for some of our younger players.

Please continue to send us lots of interesting content each week for our fantastic Winchester Hockey Oracle.

Next Weekend Fixtures

Weekend Results

U12 Boys A Team 1-2 Trojans

U12 Boys B Team 5-0 Trojans

Team Summit U14 Girls A Team 1-3 Trojans

Team Summit U14 Girls B Team 2-2 Trojans

U14 Boys B Team 0-1 Trojans

Team Forghetti U16 Boys Academy Team 6-1 Bath Buccs

U16 Boys 3-3 Trojans A Team

Anthony Munden Architect U16 Girls 0-4 Alton

Team Forghetti U16 Boys A Team v Oxford Hawks (AWAY)

COVID Regulation Reminder

Thank you for your continued co-operation in helping us comply with the England Hockey regulations around COVID.

We have seen a number of absentees across the junior section in recent weeks because of a requirement to self isolate. Obviously this is very frustrating but it is crucial that we all abide by the government and England Hockey regulations. A very useful flow chart explaining reporting requirements under various scenarios can be found here.

Please remember that spectators must remain outside of the cages at both home grounds and are expected to follow government social distancing rules at all times - this is to reduce the risk of infection. Note, this currently does not apply to under 8 and under 10 parents who may enter the cage at Kings, as long as they remain on the tarmac strip.

It’s critical that you continue to sign you and/or your child into the Teamo Playsafe register (by using the app or pitch-side QR codes) every time you attend a training session or match, to help us fulfil our track and trace requirements.

Full details of regulations and guidance can be found on the Club website, here.

Half Term Skills Camps

WHC Summer camp training-winchester2.png

Richard Penrose, our junior director of coaching, will be running 2 half day skills camps during half term. Supported by some of our talented young coaches, these camps will be focused on individual skills, giving players a boost in their development this season. Both camps are open to all players in the current under 10, under 12 and under 14 groups.

The coaching team is now confirmed, led by Richard and supported by Ian Bowry, 3 players from our men and ladies 1st teams and a young national league player. Quite a line up!

Booking is available on Teamo, at a cost of £10 per half day session.

UPDATE: The Tuesday session is fully booked. At the time of writing there are a small number of places available for Thursday.

Please click here for details.

Meet Neil Souter - Under 16 Boys Coach

Neil Souter has taken on his first coaching role this year, as head coach of the Boys Under 16 group. Some of you may know Neil as a player in the mens section, currently captain of the Mens Academy team.

Ben Westwood, a player in the under 16s, recently interviewed Neil, to discover more about his hockey career, what he thinks makes a good coach, his personal goals and more… Here’s what Neil had to say:

1) Q: What age were you when you started playing hockey? A: 12 years old.

2) Q: Do you think that attitude is a winning factor competing? A: I think a positive mindset always helps.

3) Q: What qualities make a good captain or coach? A: Leadership, Positivity, and enjoyment of the sport.

4) Q: What one word describes you? A: Passionate.

5) Q: If you could play another sport what would it be? A: Badminton.

6) Q: Is there any athletes you look up to? A: Ashley Jackson, Simon Mantell, Susannah Townsend, and Sean Kerly.

7) Q: What is the most difficult part about being a coach? A: Giving equal opportunities.

8) Q: How do you know that you are doing an effective job as a coach? A: Feedback from players or development of skills in players.

9) Q: What is your top goal as a coach? A: High level coach or player.

10) Q: What would you say your greatest strength as a coach is? A: Bringing in a different perception of a game of hockey.

Minis

The minis hosted another very successful inter-club day. For obvious reasons, the multi-club festivals are off the agenda this season, but a very well organised series of matches against Southampton was held at Kings. Once again, all Winchester teams were unbeaten on the day. They are yet to lose a match against another club! But, more importantly, lots of players had the opportunity to test their development in a more formal setting and enjoy the experience.

Under 12 Boys

B-Team v Trojans - score 5-0

(Goalscorers - Jellard 3, Richman 2)

The U12 B-team maintained their 100% record with another solid performance and a comprehensive victory over Trojans. The youngsters were supplemented by a few older ones bravely playing their second match of the morning and the team showed that they are learning fast right from the off.

Jellard was too hot for the Trojans defence, bagging another 3 goals, and Richman came close to matching the feat with 2 goals of his own. Keeper Sacco looked the most chilled out player on the pitch, but was ready for the few moments that he was called in to action.

The most pleasing aspect for the coaches was the developing ability to move the ball from player to player and around the opposition. This is a very promising group of players that shows great spirit and enjoyment of the game.

A-Team v Trojans - score 1-2

(Goalscorer - Lander)

A 9am push back on Sunday morning proved seriously challenging for the Winchester under 12 boys. The Trojans team started their warm up as the sun rose, whilst the Winchester boys were still climbing out of bed, and at the designated start time, Winchester took the field with just eight outfield players and Rory "Don't worry, I've played in goal at football" Jack pressed into action in goal.

Not a very auspicious start, but wow, did things change once the whistle blew. As Trojans rotated their bench, the brave eight ran their socks off, keeping the game scoreless for the first 20 minute period.

Bolstered by the arrival of Skipwith, the second period started with the team in high spirits. However, the pressure was building and, after a series of solid saves from Rory, Trojans finally breached the Winchester defence with a couple of quick fire strikes.

As the final period started, the coaching team were understandably concerned that the boys would tire. Fear not! Amazingly, the tide actually started to turn, with Lander dominating midfield, Kendall and Egerton-Hou solid at the back and Linekar-Bennett and Richman indefatigable up and down the pitch, cracks in the Trojans defence started to appear. A shift to the right for Van Der Walt transformed his energy level and, with the skillful Nolan and dangerous Jellard up front, there was always a chance of a comeback. And so it came to pass, Lander scored with a shot (or was it a pass?) from the top of the D.

All the pressure was now at the clubhouse end, defended by Trojans. The goalkeeper made a few good saves and the solid centre backs kept their calm to repel the Winchester comeback. It was not to be, but all ten of the boys can be mightily proud of their efforts.

Under 14 Boys

B Team v Trojans - Score 0-1

The U14’s second string squad, this time completely composed of Yr. 8 players, travelled to near neighbours Trojans who fielded (for the most part) nearly similar aged players.

The match split was into 3 x 20mins training slots to aid coaching updates and positional changes.

The Winchester boys played some great hockey overall. A dominant display in the first period with some very strong play down the left, although this left them with the hard task of crossing from left to right. Trojans defended in depth and numbers throughout and with fine goalkeeping, made goalscoring difficult for the visitors to reward their fine attacking play.

In the second period, the team at last started to work more on their right wing play and as they adapted, they got some good right to left passes into the D only to still be thwarted by their strong numbers defending.

Trojans broke well on the counterattack but the solid Winchester defensive team, who often held the half line as the last line of defence, showed some good match play technique. That ensured goals would be a premium in this game.

Keeper Finn organised his defenders well when the Trojans forwards occasionally broke in the Winchester D and in fact winning the odd penalty corner. At those, the defenders all did their jobs well and things all looked very secure.

In the final session, the match became a bit more end-to-end and ragged as players tired and it was shame when a tame shot at goal from the hosts managed to trickle just inside the post for Trojans to secure the only goal of the game, with keeper Finn unsighted in the congested goalmouth.

Picture : U14 B boys defending stoutly are a penalty corner

Under 16 Boys

B Team V Trojans - Score 3-3

(Goalscorers - McIntosh 2, Potts)

Trojans started the game very well stringing together some great passes scoring two goals in the first 20 mins. But our boys did not give up and with some great interceptions and tackles in the midfield By Sam Tyson and James Quidley, we started to pass the ball well and with Blake Sanderson making some outstanding saves we prevented Trojans scoring again. The first half ended 0-2

We started the second half well putting Trojans under pressure, which resulted in our first short corner and well executed with Tom McIntosh slotting the ball home. The comeback was on!

With some great passing from Sam Buckland on the wing, we continued to grow into the game. In addition, there was some great defending from Oscar Crooks and Ben Westwood, passing the ball out well from the back. Ten minutes later Alex Potts scored a great goal - the boys had pulled it back to 2-2! Again Blake Sanderson made some outstanding saves keeping the score level.

The equaliser spurred the team on and five minutes later Tom McIntosh got his second, putting the team 3-2 ahead with just a few minutes left to play.

Right at the end of the game Trojans were award three short corners and in the final play managed to scored.

Despite the draw, it was a fantastic come back from a spirited second half team.

Team forghetti Under 16 academy V bath - Score 6-1

(Goalscorers - Hobkirk, Finney, Talks, Lander, Maclean, Marsh)

Team Forghetti continued their strong start to the season with a comprehensive win, and more importantly strong performance, against quality opposition from Bath.

After a fairly even opening period, Winchester took the lead when Ollie Lander played the ball through to Jack Hobkirk who neatly dunked the ball over the goalkeeper from close range. Harry Cooke passed to Tommy Finney on the edge of the D to make it two after which Alfie Marsh played on to Tom Talks to make it 3-0 at halftime.

The second half saw Winchester pressing to the extent Bath found it hard to build from the back. The excellent Bath goalkeeper saved a short corner but Ollie Lander buried the rebound neatly. Bath pressed forward to win a short corner, which Josh Long almost saved on the line, but it deflected in. Importantly Winchester struck back right away with Milo Mclean finishing smartly.

Despite earlier having a goal disallowed on account of being shot just inches outside the box, Harry Cooke fed through to Alfie Marsh to complete the scoring.

As well as a strong performance, new players Casper Hall and Simon Ormond and season debuts by Tom Talks and Blake Sanderson bolstered prospects for season ahead.

Anthony Munden Architect Under 16 Girls

V Alton - Score 0 - 4

Match report by Georgie Kendall,

On the 18th of October our U16 girls played Alton. They were a very tough opposition and unfortunately our team lost 0-4.

The defensive line did very well to keep the ball out of the goal considering Alton had many chances to score. The girls recognise that moving forward they need to put more pressure on the ball carrier with the aim of turning over possession higher up the pitch.

Near the end of the game, Mimi Chainey took a nasty bump to the nose by an opponents stick so we are sending her our best wishes and hope she recovers quickly!

Sponsorship Opportunities

As we look to invest in the coaching programme and resources, we are giving local business an opportunity to sponsor individual teams or the entire junior section.

For a modest contribution, sponsors will have:

Their name associated with specific teams
Bespoke coverage in newsletters and social media
Recognition of their sponsorship in local press coverage

We would very much like to hear from you if you are interested, or have contacts at local business which may be prepared to get involved. Please do get in touch.