U14 Girls

EH CUp vs Trojans - 2-2 (4-3 shuffles)

The As had a very early 9am pushback away to Trojans, but despite the early start the girls were straight on it, and took an early 1-0 lead with a lovely well-struck goal from Venne. Not long after, the Winchester girls took control of the game with a second goal from Emma. With confidence came a bit of complacency with too many players pushing up the pitch and Ella was left exposed in defence meaning Trojans started their fight back, 2-1. Deep into the second half Trojans scored their equaliser, and despite continuing attacks from Winchester and some lovely passing play and a number of short corners, they were just unable to score another goal.

With the final score 2-2 it went to penalty shuffles. Both Trojans and Winchester scored the first two attempts, Trojans then missed and so did Winchester; with the scores level on 2-2, both Trojans and Winchester scored their fourth shuffles. Now level on 3-3, Ella made a triple save to deny a Trojans goal and Violet stepped up to score the final shuffle of the match. Winchester won 4-3 and now progress to the next round the T1 National Cup.

EH Plate vs Woking - 4-1

The Bs played Woking in their T2 Plate game and with four different players getting on the score sheet there was very little doubt Winchester were not going to win this match. First up was a cracking short corner strike from Ella I, followed up shortly after with a lovely well-worked goal finished by Isla. A hat-trick of goals in the first half was finished off with a fantastic run down the wing and a cross ball from Annabelle to Aggie who finished off with a sweeping strike in front of goal. Woking battled back in the second half with an early goal but the Winchester girls settled back into their patterns of play, scoring another goal this time with a great run from Aggie and Annabelle finishing off the cross. 4-1 to Winchester and they now progress in the T2 Plate competition.

U14 Boys

EH Cup vs Fleet & ewshot - 4-2

Scorers: James F, Will D, Ollie B, William H

Winchester U14 boys’ cup run faced their toughest opponent to date in the form of Fleet and Ewshot, with the winners progressing to the next round. With both teams having had high-scoring clean sheets in the previous round, the scene was set.

Winchester started the strongest with a number of back-to-back short corners but weren't able to capitalise until James deflected a strong shot from William H at the top. Fleet rallied well and after sustained pressure levelled the score. The game was on! Following the restart, an unselfish pass back by Nat set Will D up for a clean shot on goal which he dispatched with power, pulling Winchester ahead. The second half started poorly for Winchester with Fleet capitalising on an intercepted transfer to level once again. Winchester’s character came to the front however and shone bright as they got two goals in quick succession from Oliver B and a great short corner routine (one to be repeated). Winning 4-2 sees Winchester U14 boys go through to the next round!

U12 Girls

blacks vs bournemouth and haslemere - 1-1 and 2-3

Alton hosted the league games this weekend, which ultimately were disappointing for the Blacks team. Bournemouth were resilient and took a lead when Winchester missed several clear openings. A last minute goal salvaged a draw which showed a pleasing attitude of never giving up.

Straight up next was the best team in the league and Winchester were keen to avenge the narrow loss earlier in the season. The first half was a tight goal-less battle with defences on top. Haslemere showed the prowess of their team shape in the second half and went 3-0 up, pinching the ball from a W ring of the Winchester 16s and being skilfully decisive in front of goal. In this match, Winchester did make several fluid passing moves but only got a goal back with five minutes left. Pressing hard at the end (again a super trait) there was a second goal and so very nearly a third.

This was a great learn for the squad who battled hard. If the team can improve retaining the ball and taking their chances then these facets, added to the determination and tackling, will produce many a win.

Yellows vs Alton b and andover b - 2-1 and 5-3

The windswept and soggy nether regions of Hook saw the Winchester Yellows take on the double-A battery of Alton Bs and Andover Bs. Despite a good warm-up, Winchester started slowly and struggled somewhat to keep their shape and make their passes, however they still managed to create a few chances and apply most of the pressure. With a new addition to the team and three subs warranting occasional changes to the line up and positions, it was always likely to take a while for the team to gel. A theme that continued through both matches on the day.

To their credit, Alton Bs grew into the game and their players seemed to be everywhere, like Duracell bunnies, swamping our players and swarming our defence on the break. A change of subs and formation only added to the Yellows’ predicament and although Sienna made some brilliant saves, eventually one squeezed past her. Winchester were panting hard and battling valiantly against the Alton hordes and were grateful for the half-time whistle.

Taking stock but not panicking, the Winchester players dissected the half and Jess observed that Alton were difficult to play against as their players were everywhere. It was almost as if they had extra players! Lo and behold on setting up for the second half, the eagle-eyed Vicky spotted that Alton did indeed have extra players on the pitch and were in fact fielding a nine-a-side team. After a quick discussion, the yellows started the second half with an equal complement to Alton. The difference immediately told with Winchester dominating from the off and Jemima scoring two great goals to put the Yellows ahead. With the extra players on the pitch and another round of subs it became a little scrappy and although Winchester dominated they could not score again. In fact, Alton still challenged hard and the Yellows were indebted again to some more stalwart defending from Bea, Sienna, Seren and Liv as they saw the game out to a deserved victory. Scarlett was deservedly voted player of the match but all the Yellows showed great spirit, determination and resourcefulness to turn the match around.

After a brief break, the Yellows were back in action against Andover Bs, this time with both sides going with the traditional 7-a-side! And this time Winchester were on it from the first moment and played some fabulous team hockey, using the pitch well and passing the ball with purpose. There were also some strong individual performances with Seren in midfield linking up well with both solid defence and dangerous attack. Jemima drove the ball brilliantly up the side and into the box on a few occasions and was rewarded with another couple of goals. Seren’s strong play was rewarded with a good goal and the Andover goalie also made some great saves to keep out the ever threatening Winchester, in particular Scarlett and Lana.

Winchester ended the half 3-0 up and coasting. However, Andover’s goalie had to depart and so for the second half they deployed an extra outfield player which (along with those same old substitution changes) seemed to throw Winchester into a sense of disarray. Andover pulled a goal back. And then another. Buoyed by their success and renewed confidence, Andover attacked again and scored: 3-3!

The Yellows unbeaten record was under threat, but they rallied and they fought and they were determined. Bea and Seren took control on the pitch, bringing order and composure to a somewhat rattled team - Liv defended like a lion, Sophia was everywhere battling hard, Scarlett ran intelligently and threatened up front, Lana launched herself up and down the pitch linking play beautifully. From one such bit of play she took the ball in the middle under pressure, rolled away from the tackler and sent the ball smartly out to the side and up the wing for Sofia to charge onto. With a deft piece of skill she was through, past the last defender and into the D. With the goalie-less goal in front of her, she showed no mercy and despatched the ball expertly into the goal.

Winchester were revived and then thrived, repeating the same pattern of play which brought them another great goal from Sofia. Andover continued to play with good spirit but the Yellows were now once again playing good team hockey, their confidence and composure restored. They controlled the rest of the game, nearly adding to their tally on a number of occasions.

Andover voted Jess the defensive player of the match and Sofia the attacking player - both much deserved.

So on a somewhat crazy blustery day, in a soggy Hooky nether area, Winchester were down, outnumbered, in disarray and up against it but pulled through it all and ended on up and on top, with smiles beaming from their faces. The players and the team all grew stronger and - we hope! - learnt that they are better and more successful when they play as a team and pass the ball.

vs New Forest and salisbury - 7-1 and 3-1

Southampton hosted the league games this weekend resulting in two excellent wins for the Purples. The first game was well executed with excellent passes and goal execution within the D. WHC had played two short corners and one against but no goals were conceded or scored.

The team were frustrated by Salisbury’s strong defence in the second game, which prevented many great attempts at goal Winchester.

Players of the match: Sophie S and Scot R