Happy new year from Winchester Hockey Club!

U16 Boys

More Success for Winchester Hockey Club Juniors

Winchester added to the hockey club’s impressive track record of success at the national U16 indoor boys’ tournament on Saturday. The club has built strong foundations in recent years, and in partnership with local schools has consistently developed high quality hockey players. Having won three national titles in the last 10 years, the juniors are confident to compete with the most illustrious hockey clubs from around England.

This indoor tournament included the eight teams that had won their region’s qualifying event, with Winchester the representative of South Central. Winchester had to battle through a tough pool including Oxted, Wimbledon and Ipswich and in a series of incredibly close matches qualified for the semi-finals by the tightest of margins. Oxted were beaten 2-1, after the boys battled back from a goal down with goals from Vincent midway through the second half and Jack with the last play of the game. In the second game Winchester were on the wrong end of a similar finish as, after fighting back from a two goal deficit with late goals from Jack and Nolan, Wimbledon scored a winner in the last seconds of the game. With Ipswich beating Wimbledon, that left Winchester needing to beat Ipswich to qualify for the semi-finals. After again going behind early, Nolan equalised towards the end of the first half and Vincent completed the comeback with a winner and four minutes to go. Resolute defending led by Lander and Richman kept Ipswich at bay. The semi-final against the other pool winners, York, was a cagey affair, but Winchester largely controlled the game to triumph 2-1 with goals from Jack and Richman. The final was a disappointment, as Winchester conceded two soft goals in the first half and then, as they chased the game, left gaps at the back which Repton ruthlessly exploited to complete a 5-0 victory.

The boys worked incredibly hard during the course of an exhausting day and showed great skill and teamwork. This achievement is not only a credit to the club, but also to the efforts of Kings School and King Edward VI School, who have significantly contributed to the development of these very talented players.

U12 Girls

Sunday 5th Jan: Blacks Vs Trojans - 2-0

Winchester’s U12 girls’ Blacks team travelled to Havant in a flotilla of various guises, doused by a torrential downpour. With a few regulars in the Caribbean or on the slopes, it was a great opportunity to look at a couple of Purples’ players challenging for a place in the squad.

Local rivals Trojans lie first in the league but Winchester dominated from the off and only really looked rusty in finishing chances created. A powerful penalty corner strike and a solid rear post flick took the points. Defensive work was sound and ball progression through the lines mostly efficient.

Romsey gave a walkover with a planned no-show so Havant kindly provided a friendly game. Winchester donated four players on a rotational basis to allow a no-sub 7v7 and then ran in a barrage of goals. The purple centre forward looked sharp and athletic and scored a good few goals. The best team move however was a right wing drive and a call of “pocket” for a pull back and two touch finish inside the far post. Especially pleasing for the coach who had gone through that play five mins earlier!

Sunday 12th Jan: Blacks vs Trojans - 7-3

Following an early morning pitch inspection, the local rivalry resumed with an hour of 7-a-side in the Into hockey format. Trojans with their strongest team took the lead in the first quarter with both teams threatening the goals regularly. This was an exciting end-to-end game with a 2-2 draw at half-time. In quarter three, Winchester started to dominate and ran in several goals. Quarter four saw a Trojans’ rally forcing the home keeper into some strong saves. However, some great right wing pattern play tipped the balance with a final score of 7-3.

Sunday 12th Jan: Purples vs Trojans - 13-1

Playing simultaneously alongside the Blacks, the Purple team with a strong squad also tackled Trojans. The away team took the lead and this obviously stirred a strong reaction from Winchester who rattled in 13 with no further reply. The coaches were pleased with a solid defensive performance and noted strong wing play on the right and the left.

Both teams have the tough test of Woking next week before a double header with Reading and an away match at Guildford. Scores expected to be much closer!