U18 Boys

south central Regional indoor finals - Winners

The U18 Boys took part in the South Central Indoor area finals, looking to progress to the national finals for the second year running. Just like the previous year, both Marlow and Trojans stood in the way of the boys progressing. All three of the teams know each other well, with lots of players from all three clubs having represented their respective schools in the equivalent schools event just a week earlier. The first game of the day was an entertaining 5-5 draw between Trojans and Marlow. That result meant that the Winch boys knew a win against Marlow in their first game would eliminate Marlow from contention and would head into a final situation with Trojans, and the winner taking the place at the national finals.

Marlow started the stronger and won two quick penalty corners in the first and fifth minute, both of which were excellently defended to remain all square. Two minutes later Coleman won a loose ball out of defence and rifled the ball into the top corner to make it 1-0 to Winchester. This was quickly followed by another open play goal from Jenkinson. It was Winchester’s turn to have a couple of penalty corners, however just like Marlow’s corners earlier both were excellently defended to keep the score 2-0. Just before half-time, Coleman pounced on another loose ball to make the score 3-0 at half-time. Marlow then came out fighting in the second half, and through a penalty corner and two field goals, found themselves level at 3-3. Marlow then scored a further goal to overturn a three goal lead and make it 4-3 to them. Winchester rallied and with 3 minutes to go Lander scored from a penalty corner, to level things at 4-4, which is how it finished.

This result meant that all 3 teams were still in with a chance of qualifying, however a win for either Winchester or Trojans would mean they were victorious. Trojans started the game well with three quick goals leaving Winchester in shock, a Lander goal from a PC just before half time gave them that needed boost. Just as quick as Trojans were 3-0 up in the first half, the Winch boys made it 4-3 in the second half thanks to another PC from Lander, and goals by Coleman and Wedderburn. Trojans drew level at 4-4, then they hit the post with a penalty flick, which was a massive turning point in the game as Winchester then fired in three goals thanks to Marsh, Lander and Wedderburn making it 7-4, and reaching the Indoor National Finals for a 2nd year in a row.

U16 Boys

South Central Regional Indoor Finals

Winchester 6, Marlow 1; Winchester 2 Reading 5; Winchester 0 Trojans 6

Winchester U16 boys took part in the South Central Regional Indoor Finals, with a very young but enthusiastic team looking to enjoy themselves and develop experience for future years. The team was missing two key players, injured in the week leading up to the tournament, and so arrived at William Borlase School with just six players, meaning no substitutes to give anyone a rest! All but one of the team will be eligible for the U16 team next season, and many for the next two seasons.

That said, the boys wanted to put on a creditable performance this year, and they got off to a flier in their first pool match against an equally young Marlow team. Winchester moved the ball well, and defended with great spirit. Will scored 4 and Matthew 2 in a comprehensive 6-1 win. Next up was a far older and strong team from Reading. This was now Seb's time to step up, and a series of tremendous saves, along with some resolute and skilful play from the outfield players kept Winchester in it for most of the match. Bertie & Will scored and with five minutes to go, the match was tied at 2-2. The last five minutes saw the boys start to tire, and Reading took advantage with three late goals. That left Winchester as runners-up in their pool and the dubious honour of a semi-final against the star-studded Trojans. Extraordinarily, given the gulf in experience, the game was goalless deep into the second half. The boys ran tirelessly to restrict the goalscoring opportunities and Seb pulled off a series of quite remarkable saves. Once again, the lack of subs told towards the end, and Trojans scored a few well taken goals.

All in all, this was a great effort from the boys, and a valuable learning experience for future indoor events.

U12 Girls

vs isle of wight a and b

While pretty much every other fixture was cancelled this weekend, 24 U12 girls ventured to their first overseas fixture (to the Isle of Wight!) With the prediction of cold and icy weather and some hasty planning, our fixture with Isle of Wight Hockey Club changed from outdoors to indoors, enabling it to still go ahead.

It was a fab experience for the girls and a great team building opportunity across all three of the U12 girls teams. For a majority of the girls, this was their first experience of playing indoor hockey. All were quick to learn that pushing was the name of the game and everyone adapted quickly to the fast pace and end to end action. With no goals conceded across all three of the teams the coaches were obviously very pleased with the all-round performance. Results as follows;

Winchester Blacks v IOW A - 11-0

Winchester Purples v IOW A - 2 -0

Winchester Yellows v IOW B - 0-0

Isle of Wight HC were fantastic hosts providing hot chocolate, and fish and chips after the matches and all the girls are keen to return again for some outdoor matches in slightly warmer weather!

Winchester Hockey Club Oracle Edition 47