WHC Oracle Edition 72
U16 Boys
vs Trojans - 1-3
As reported in previous Oracles, the boys have been brilliant this season. A committed and organised coaching team has built a playing philosophy that the players have bought into in real style, allowing them to run close or beat some of the biggest clubs in English hockey. It was with great excitement, therefore, that the players and managers looked forward to welcoming local rivals Trojans, with confidence that Winchester were firm favourites to claim a win that would set up a push for supra league qualification.
Perhaps the importance of the game was not properly communicated, or perhaps it was just bad luck that Winchester suffered a series of unavailability, illness and injury in the lead up to the game, several at very short notice, such that an hour before pushback only 11 players were fit and confirmed. A frantic rallying call recruited Will and Bertie from the U14s and the coaches reorganised the balance of the team.
In the face of such disruption the boys looked out of sorts, with uncharacteristic mistakes gifting Trojans an early goal, and players repeatedly dribbling into trouble rather than sticking to the passing game that has worked so effectively in previous games. This constant loss of possession offered Trojans multiple chances and prevented Winchester from building any meaningful attacks. The half time score, 2-0 to Trojans, was a fair reflection. The coaches’ words had impact early in the second half with better teamwork and structure, which led to a series of short corners. One was turned in by Vinny and Winchester found themselves back in the game. Winchester, to their credit, had largely ignored the unpleasant antagonism between the Trojans coaches and the umpires, which led to a succession of breaks in play and ultimately a yellow card for the Trojans coach. However, as Winchester chased the game and the umpires seemingly intent on evening things up, Rory’s yellow card tipped the balance back in favour of Trojans. A third goal followed, and the game was up.
The one positive of the day was the performance of our u14 recruits. This was a massive step for them and both Will and Bertie acquitted themselves with great commitment and plenty of quality.
As always, every game is a learning experience, and there were many for coaches and players alike. Onwards and upwards, we will come back stronger!
U12 Girls
Blacks and purples vs woking and old cranleighans
The top two Winchester teams travelled to the Surrey stronghold of Woking to face four games each against Woking As/Bs and Old Cranleighans As/Bs in a 12 minute per game round robin competition.
The Purples, coached ably by Jeremy Hunter, drew the first three games 0-0 before winning the final one 3-1 against Woking Bs. Strong defence and brave goalkeeping made them undefeated against a very tough opposition. A fantastic day for Team Purple.
The Blacks ran in 6 goals v Woking Bs, 2 v Old Cranleighans Bs before beating Woking As 1-0 in a tight game and Old Cranleighans 3-1 in the final match.
Across the squads to only concede two goals and with the blacks going ‘4 and 0’ (in US parlance) shows that this was the county of Hampshire’s day. Top work all and thanks for travelling. Some very pretty goals scored and strong teamwork in the in-posession and out-of-posession phases. Good fun.
Blues A’s vs Havant A’s - 6-5
Scorers: Elouise, Elodie, Annabel, Emarra, Jemima, Louisa
Winchester faced Havant with both teams raring to go and four quarters were played with each team dominating a quarter apiece.
Winchester played with width (despite having to settle for slightly smaller pitches than anticipated); using the wingers that worked hard to be available, determined drives into the opposition D were the pattern of play, always providing a threatening opportunity to score. Skillful attack patterns and determined defence meant the game ebbed and flowed throughout.
Entering the final quarter all square at 5-5, Winchester survived some close shaves with stout defensive nous. The final goal came with the last play of the match - a short corner to Winchester was converted in high drama.
Brilliant game and a well-deserved win for Winchester in an evenly matched event.
Blues B’s vs Havant B’s - 5-1
The second Winchester Blue squad had a great match against Havant, who could not get past the defence. Playing three 15 minute halves, the Blues dominated play going down the wings and around Havant’s strong players in the middle.
The goals were from Grace, Amalie, Jamie and two from Millie and the team was supported by two players from the yellow squad (Hettie and Amalie), who also played brilliantly. Final mention goes to Aoife who stepped in as goalie last minute, only let one goal in and made some great saves, final score 5-1.
All together a great game by all with a respectful two minute silence observed by all the girls at half-time.