WHC Oracle Edition 71
U16 Boys
vs Surbiton - 3-2
It is great credit to the junior section that our teams can mix it with the big guns of English hockey, and this was the latest in the line of headline opponents faced by our U16 boys this season. The great and the good have failed to figure out the root causes of home advantage, but it is something that inevitably makes a difference, particularly in tight games. As Winchester took their place on Surbiton’s 1st team pitch, with a gleaming scoreboard at one end, a banked stand along the side and the smart clubhouse in the distance, it was hard to get away from the David against Goliath analogy. Perhaps it was that, perhaps it was the long journey, but Winchester were certainly slow out of the blocks and unusually hesitant in possession. Surbiton needed no second invitation and quickly took control with slick movement of the ball creating chances, particularly off turnover ball. Ollie made some good saves, but eventually the pressure told with two goals in relatively quick succession.
Lesser teams could easily have folded at this point, but there are some strong characters in this team that never stop fighting. Despite defending for most of the half, Winchester were creating chances, mostly on the break as Rory and Tom linked up superbly in the middle and set up opportunities for the forward line. As half time approached, a great run from Tom into the D was crossed into the danger zone, and under pressure from several Winchester players was diverted into the goal by a desperate Surbiton defender.
Half time – Surbiton 2, Winchester 1, but the boys right in the game.
The start of the second half saw Winchester’s best period of play, with the team moving the ball more confidently and the forwards getting higher in more dangerous positions. The forward line, led by a tireless performance from Bertie, harried the Surbiton defence forcing them into several mistakes. Inevitably the boys started to tire though, and Surbiton was always dangerous in attack. One such attack resulted in their third goal, and it seemed like the brave Winchester resistance was broken with just five minutes remaining. This team has a never-say-die attitude though and redoubled their efforts. Bertie pulled one back with a close range shot and Winchester desperately sought an equaliser in the final seconds of the game. Sadly, it was not to be and Surbiton held on to close out a victory that they probably just about deserved. Returning to the opening comments, the boys can be immensely proud that they were able to push such illustrious opponents (last seasons’ u16 national champions) so hard. They show extraordinary resilience and drive which will serve them well for the rest of this season and well beyond.
U12 Girls
3 November: Blacks vs Haslemere A’s - 7-5
Bar End saw some super hockey from the top two Hampshire teams in an hour long match of four quarters. Haslemere started strongly and raced into a two goal lead with Winchester conceding the centre of the circle too easily. Resolute in attitude, the girls scored a well-worked penalty corner and then roofed a memorable shot to draw level. Another goal each side saw 3-3 at half time. Winchester re-arranged the team a little and with regular five minute substitutions, upped the quality in the last half-hour and ran out with a healthy win. Strong keeping and powerful passing from the back formed a bedrock from which right wing strength and finishing prowess made the difference. A quality game and a good test passed.
20 October: Blacks vs Havant (8-1) & Bournemouth (5-0)
The U12G Blacks drove to Alton in filthy wet and windy conditions for two 30 minute league games. The Blacks’ unselfish passing, ball pace and out of possession W-press pinned Havant in their 25 resulting in a 12 goal deluge with one reply. A substantive win with some excellent team goals.
Next up were Bournemouth who went for a low block approach. Sticks had become slippery, making deft control, passing and shooting tricky but eventually the Blacks ran in five goals with no reply to tip the balance of the game. Some moves which had been trained were evident, as were individual, subtle off-the-ball movements to create team space. Top listening and application from the Blacks.
After half term the fixtures get harder with Haslemere in a friendly and then an away trip to Surrey to face the might of Woking and Old Cranleighans. This test will benchmark the Blacks’ capability to rise to the occasion at regional events outside of Hampshire.
3 November: Purples vs Haslemere B’s - 8-2
Bar End sat under some grey, dull skies on Sunday morning but thankfully the gloom was lifted by some scintillating and scorching hockey from the Winchester Purples and their accomplished Haslemere opponents. In an hour long match of four quarters, Winchester started strongly and raced into a two goal lead with great pressure applied by Eva resulting in an own goal from her cross within the first minute. Sofia then pounced onto a mistake and drove into the box, squaring the ball brilliantly for Eva to make it 2-0. Haslemere responded well and played some fantastic hockey, keeping a great shape and making the pitch big and wide. As such they really zipped the ball about and passed out under pressure several times to put the Winchester goal under threat. Despite some ever-heroic defending from Jess and a valiant Isabelle and some super saves from Sophia, Haslemere eventually levelled and finished the first quarter level at 2-2.
The Purples rallied well in the second quarter and played some great passing hockey themselves, with Jess often breaking up Haslemere attacks and launching slick passages of play down field. These frequently resulted in goal attempts and chances - eventually in a great goal for Poppy - her first for Winchester and definitely not her last! Kirsty’s energy and skill also brought her a deserved goal. Both of these goals were assisted by the fantastic driving force of Eva. It must be noted that through all of this Winchester had two rotating subs with two new purple players and people being asked to play out of position adapting well. Huge credit must go to Isabella’s and Clemmie’s stalwart stints in defence, Kirsty in defence and at centre mid and Jemima’s brilliant debut on either flank.
The half time team talk focused on more and quicker passing and also asking the girls for more communication on the pitch - both of which saw the purples play hit a purple patch in the third quarter. Based upon a resolute defense from Jess and her rotating partners and a brilliant performance from Sophia in goal, Winchester upped the ante and pulled away from Haslemere with three unanswered goals and numerous near misses. Great balls into the box, with the back post being targeted, resulted in a fabulous goal for the hard working and super sharp Jemima (assisted by Kirsty), another for Eva (assisted by Jemima) and a great solo goal from Kirsty. A really great quarter of hockey from Winchester saw them leading 7-2.
Relaxing a little, possibly growing a little greedier in their play and disrupted by further positional tinkering, the fourth quarter saw a determined Haslemere respond well and put Winchester under serious pressure. Despite some brave defending Haslemere eventually scored two more goals. However, Winchester were not done and responded well with two further goals, one much deserved for the skilful and soldierly Sofia (carrying a knee injuring) and another back post beauty from Jemima - which actually took the score to 9-4 despite the officially recorded score of 8-2. (Kirsty and Eva supplied the last 2 assists).
All in all a really great game of hockey against a good side playing good hockey. Eva and Jess were voted players of the match but special mention must also go to Kirsty and Sophia T. Furthermore, credit must go to all the Purples as everyone played their part and put in serious effort in a great team performance. Well played all.