Weekend summary from Tim Lander

What a magnificent weekend of junior hockey, with a total of ten matches played across the age groups against Bournemouth, involving over 250 children. 

Feedback across the board was fantastic with many comments about the quality of play and the spirit in which matches were played - well done to all involved! You will find match reports later in this newsletter. 

Next week several teams have fixtures against Trojans. Both U16 teams face high quality opposition in back to back fixtures at Kings. The girls face Alton and the Forghetti U16 Boys Academy take on Bath Buccs.

Good luck to you all!

I am very grateful to Holly Cameron, who has agreed to take on the job of co-ordinating the publication of the Winchester Hockey Oracle. Thank you, Holly, your support is very much appreciated. Please all help Holly out by sending us lots of interesting content each week.

Tim

Next Weekend Fixtures

Weekend Results

U12 Boys A Team 1-3 Bournemouth

U12 Boys B Team 6-0 Bournemouth

U12 Girls A Team 0-3 Bournemouth

U12 Girls B Team 1-0 Bournemouth

Team Summit U14 Girls A Team 0-8 Bournemouth

Team Summit U14 Girls B Team 1-1 Bournemouth

U14 Boys A Team 3-3 Bournemouth

U14 Boys B Team 2-1 Bournemouth

U16 Boys B Team 0-7 Bournemouth

Anthony Munden Architect U16 Girls 0-8 Bournemouth

U12 Boys A Team v Trojans 9:00 away

U12 Boys B Team v Trojans 10:30 away

U14 Boys B Team v Trojans 12:00 away

Team Summit U14 Girls A Team v Trojans 13:30 away

Team Summit U14 Girls B Team v Trojans 15:00 away

Team Forghetti U16 Boys A Team v Bath Buccs 13:30 Kings

U16 Boys B Team v Trojans 15:00 Kings

Anthony Munden Architect U16 Girls A Team v Alton 12:00 Kings

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.

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.

WHC Alumni

We have had a lot of juniors pass through the club over the years. For a number of reasons, not all of these players continue their hockey journey directly with Winchester HC but they still have a strong attachment to the club that forged a love for our great sport.

On Sunday 11th October a men's National League match between Cardiff Uni and Bristol Uni featured 4 ex junior members who all played together for many years from under 8s onward.

It was a competitive game with Cardiff leading into the fourth quarter, but the form guide kicked in and the game finished 4-2 to a strong Bristol side who are currently 2nd (on goal difference) in the National League West conference. Playing for Cardiff were Isaac Hocking, Adam Smith and Will Penrose and in goal for Bristol was Adam McLenaghan. Tom Smith, Adam's younger brother and another ex junior member was also due to play for Bristol, but was unfortunately on COVID isolation.

If you know of any ex Winchester HC juniors who would be happy to update us on their hockey journey please let us know!

Half Term Skills Camps

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.

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

Please click here for details.

Ready to give umpiring a go?

Did you know that umpiring hockey can actually help you develop a whole range of life skills while having fun?

We work with Hampshire Umpire Association to provide our club members with organised Level 1 courses, suitable for everyone. You’ll simply start with a theory session, followed by the opportunity to test out your new knowledge and skills during some practice games. Then, when you feel ready to, you’ll take on your first league match supported by an assessor.

Whether you’re ready to develop your communication skills, learn how to manage a group of people or boost your personal confidence, please get in contact with the wonderful Richard Macer today.

In the meantime, watch this video from England Hockey or check out their website here.

Under 12 Boys

B -team v Bournemouth - score 6-0

(Goal scorers - Jellard 4, Skipwith 2)

A young group of under 12s put in a great performance to see off visiting Bournemouth in convincing style. Bournemouth moved the ball nicely in the opening exchanges, and it was slightly against the run of play when Felix Jellard opened the scoring. However, from then on, Winchester dominated the game, and goals continued to flow. Felix had his hattrick within the first period; his determination in front of goal proving beyond the opposition defence. Patrick Skipwith also chipped in with a couple of well taken goals. Rory Jack's tireless running deserved a goal, but he was denied several times by good saves by the Bournemouth keeper or near misses. The scoreline was a little misleading however, as Bournemouth had a number of good chances, but newcomer Riley Sacco proved unbeatable in goal. This was a highly promising first game for a number of these players who demonstrated that they have learned lots already.

A -team v Bournemouth - score 1-3

(Goal scorer - Nolan)

This was the first match  of the season for many of the players and the opportunity to break away from the shackles of Covid-19 and once again play competitive sport was exciting for players and spectators alike.  We had home ground advantage and the sun was out (quite a contrast to the Sunday before which rained heavily the whole day) so the boys were keen to get out and stretch their legs.

The game was fast and intense from the first whistle, with both teams pressing hard.  Bournemouth had the edge in the first third, securing 2 goals.  The boys kept up the energy and pace with some great tackling and passages of play.  Tom Nolan took a well-earned goal for Winchester, following some great support from the rest of the team.

The game was more evenly matched in the second and third but Bournemouth were stronger in the end.  The final score was 3-1.

Under 14 Girls

This season the under 14 girls have been sponsored by Summit International. Summit is a local company that brings creative technical solutions to marketing challenges. You can see some of the exciting projects that Summit has delivered recently here. If you are looking to give your business a boost, and think that creative design and technology could be the answer, why not give them a call for a free consultation.

“Summit International created a brand new website that allowed us to showcase our business, and also delivered an investor portal for each of our investors to be able to access their investment summaries and valuations in a clear and secure environment. They took the time to properly understand our business and needs, so that the end product was both creative and functional. The service was delivered in a timely, cost effective and highly professional manner.” Coach House Investment Managers.

B Team v Bournemouth - Score 1-1

The girls fought a good game today and improved as the match went on. Bournemouth were a strong side but, despite going 1-0 down, Winchester played some really nice passages of hockey and worked hard for each other. Going into the final third of the game, the girls became even more determined and managed to equalise with a fantastic strike from Eva. Thank you to Imogen who was fantastic in goal, and well done to Bea who was awarded player of the match for her brilliant defending.

A Team v Bournemouth - Score 0-8

The score line of this match in no way reflected the efforts of our team. During the first third, there was an unfortunate period of play where our Winchester girls were caught off-guard, that led to Bournemouth going 4-0 up. After the team were able to take a well deserved break and an opportunity to re-group, they walked back out on to the pitch much stronger and played well throughout the rest of the game. When the girls started to utilise more of the space, they played some brilliant hockey, especially with Amelie, Esther and Laura linking together nicely up the wing. Despite the 8-0 score line, the girls remained positive and know what they need to improve moving into their next game. With some key players missing today, the girls did a brilliant job.

Under 14 Boys

B Team v Bournemouth - Score  2 v 1

With virtually a completely different squad to last week and thus giving lots more young players get some match day experience, it was difficult to guess what might happen during our match with Bournemouth. We were, however, all delighted with the outcome.

As it happened, coach Tom Brunt set up a great formation with a game plan that all the boys bought into. The team stuck to their positions well to build up good passing moves and good counter measures when out of possession. The defence looked sound in whatever combination, with keeper Dylan Meacher-Nisbet in good voice organising his defenders extremely well. He also made some good saves and clearances when required.

The team took the lead from a superb shot from the top of the attacking D by Raffi Organ to beat a very competent Bournemouth goalkeeper. This gave great confidence to the team and with the visitors also playing their part, a great end to end game took place.

The move of the match was made after a good interception in midfield to find Ed Swift on the right wing, whose excellent defence splitting cross found George Brunt to meet it and score on the run.

The game remained very even and towards the end a good Bournemouth break eventually caught Dylan out to score a well-deserved consolation goal.

A Team v Bournemouth - score 3 v 3

The Winchester under 14A squad was formed for the first time this season and those selected performed well. Again, the team was very much a scratch side and there will be opportunities for many others to experience this level of competition as the weeks go by. 

Bournemouth started very strongly and soon took the lead. Winchester worked hard in return, often led by Will Graydon, Oscar Kipps and Charlie Long. At last they created a good counter attack for Monty Osgood to shoot and open the Winchester score line - despite a gallant attempt by the Bournemouth goalkeeper. In return, it was not long before another chaotic goal was conceded as the Winchester defence got wrong footed.  

Some strong play from the Winchester midfield (largely physically outsized, but well matched in skill) worked hard to counter attack, but overuse of the left hand side of the pitch did not help their cause. A quick Bournemouth right wing break saw a cleaver flick over the home goalkeeper to extend the Bournemouth lead. Harry Trussler shuffled his players around to try to get back into the game and James Kitson, after having a heavy fall, got a goal back soon after he returned after some good stickwork. 

Winchester plugged away with good runs from Rory Kilpatrick and in return the Bournemouth goalkeeper making some superb saves. The home side with good all-round play for such a scratch side kept working hard and a well taken equaliser from the hard-working Will Leyland earned the team a well-deserved equaliser.

Under 16 Boys

B Team V Bournemouth - Score 0-7 (Friendly)

The teams first competitive game of the season against a very good Bournemouth Team.

Five first half goals did not reduce the team's focus and a more organised second half.

Blake in goal was kept busy throughout the game but a great performance making plenty of saves in both halves.

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.

The Junior Committee

Please contact us if you are able to take on one of our administrative roles.

Open positions

• Sunday Fixtures Co-Ordinator: VACANT

• Junior Umpires Manager: VACANT

• Sponsorship Co-Ordinator: VACANT

• Junior Chair: Tim Lander

• Junior Vice Chair: Peter Jenkinson

• General Liaison: Richard Macer

• Director of Coaching: Richard Penrose

• Junior Membership: Anna Morgan

• Child Welfare & Junior COVID Officers: Melissa Clegg & Zoe Lineker

• Minis Reps: Sharon Robertson & ‘J’ Russell

• Newsletter & Social Media Manager: Holly Cameron