U14 Boys

A’s vs Basingstoke - 4-0

The U14A side were at home to old rivals Basingstoke and were very keen to practice and develop skills for their forthcoming England Hockey national cup semi-finals away to Folkestone in a couple of weeks. The Winchester boys set about taking apart their opposition with some fast passing and good movement off the ball against strong and worthy opponents. Their play had set up several short corners which they failed to convert (giving an obvious session plan for the next squad training), however this did not turn out to be too crucial as sustained pressure resulted in two open play goals from Will R and Will H.

The half-time talk focussed on mental approach, decision-making, pressing when out of possession and movement wide when in possession. At the restart the Winchester play started really strongly; however with no substitute players this week, tired legs started to show requiring Winchester to defend much more and face a number of short corners thankfully without conceding. With Basingstoke working hard throughout as they chased down the two goal deficit, it did mean the Winchester attacks capitalised on the extra space to work in which resulted in 2 more goals. One was from Will D and a second for Will R to end in a comfortable victory for Winchester which avenged the draw between the two teams earlier in the season.

B’s vs Southampton - 0-4

Winchester U14B boys fielded a very young side with many players either making their debut or playing just their second club match against their more experienced visitors Southampton A. Before the Winchester team had settled and familiarised themselves with their playing positions, Southampton - with some good direct play - soon went two goals into the lead. Thereafter Winchester started to dictate the play, often started by good passing from U12 Bertie and skipper Aedan. Despite some thoughtful possession hockey, shots on goal were well dealt with by the visiting goalkeeper. Southampton scored once more, again on the break just before half-time as a result of the Winchester defence overcommitting play in the opposition half.

The second half saw some similar long periods of good possession but sadly no goals as a reward, instead a single rare fast break by Southampton saw them score one more goal to secure a 4-0 win which hid the young Winchester boys’ quality passing game.

U12 Girls

Bathed in bright Kings’ sunshine, Winchester HC welcomed Old Georgians and Marlow, all three clubs bringing three teams for a round robin of 15 mins games. Winchester Blacks topped their group with wins against both teams (2-0 OG’s and 1-0 Marlow) while losing to Marlow (1-2) and drawing with OG’s (0-0). The games with Marlow were tight, whose large, strong and physical players with good technique and power were a good test for Winchester going into regional qualifiers. The Blacks were reminded that taking early chances is key, as is drawing opposition players in the W block before trying to break the lines. But overall, some great teamwork, passing and moving, with smiles on faces. Well done on winning the group.

Winchester Yellows drew both games with OG’s in tight encounters 0-0 and 2-2 but found Marlow too strong, sadly going down 1-4 and 1-5. Again some good play from the Yellows who need to remember to get outcomes in the circle and shoot for the far post, not miss at the near. Tiring in the final game (understandably) the team lost some shape but should hold their heads high as they had enough chances to narrow the gap. Maintaining positions in the centre of the pitch when up against strong opposition and staying compact while defending is a key learn. Watching Australia or Germany on TNT Pro League is a lesson on how they all get back to make penetration difficult.

The Purple squad also won their group with a 3-0 and 1-0 wins against OG C’s. Marlow narrowly won 0-1 but the team drew 1-1 with Marlow in the second game. This team have a super atmosphere and play for each other with passion and effort. Well done, you have all developed well over the course of this season.