U14 Girls

vs Alton - 5-0

Scorers: Amelia (3), Millie (2)

Sadly it was possibly our last match of a successful season, and our coaches had warned us before the game that Alton were desperate to beat us. From the first minute we all had James and Maz's words ringing in our heads "TRANSITION!" and "DON'T DIVE IN!" With strong defence from Bea, Ella, Immy, Maddy and Emma… controlled aggression from Arabella, Hannah, Cecily and Francesca in the midfield… pace upfront from Amelia, Erin, Millie, Connie, Emily and Poppy… plus Tilly as always fantastic in goal… Alton never stood a chance. In the first half Winchester passed and moved, quickly transitioning the ball from defence into attack with Amelia scoring the first two goals. In the second half we continued where we left off and with the home support cheering us on as we scored three further goals and created numerous other chances.

From all the team, a big thank you to all the coaches and Nicky the team manager.

Players of the match: Bea Eaton and Poppy Russell

Written by Francesca

Season round-up

The coaches and I are so proud of what the U14 girls have achieved this season. They have really bonded as a group, not just as players but as friends. It has been great to see them all overcome challenges, support each other during some of the tough matches and celebrate together after their wins. Also it has been a delight to have constant high turn outs at training in all weathers with 25-30 girls each week.

Overall they have had a great season with 21 matches played, 12 wins and 9 losses across two tiers, scored an impressive 47 goals and finished second in Tier 2 & Tier 3.

We are so sad to lose the older U14 girls and coaches who move up to the U16 group next season. The younger U14 girls are ready and waiting to welcome the U12 girls moving up and hopefully they have successful season together.

Thank you to lead coaches James and Maz, who have brilliantly guided the girls through a successful season and also to our other coaches Anna, Justin, Mike and Marie who have been fantastic too.

Nicky

U14 Boys

Tier 1 Plate Final vs Knole Park - 2-9

Winchester U14 boys travelled to Lee Valley National Hockey Centre with great excitement for their Tier 1 plate final. Looking immaculate in smart team kit and performance tops, spirits were high as they posed for their official team photo and took care of other pre-match obligations. Winchester, at full strength thanks to Chris Kipps' expired passport, took their place on the pitch for a good warm-up in front of their vocal supporters.

Well prepared as they were, Mike Tyson's famous quote "Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth" sprang to mind when the Knole Park captain and star player scored after five seconds without anyone else touching the ball! Another quickly followed as it became apparent that this particular exceptional player was untouchable, as he carried the ball and beat defender after defender at will. Winchester briefly rallied, and after a good spell of possession, Will L crashed home a superb reverse strike to give the boys hope. It didn't last long as the KP captain took control scoring another two and setting up two more. At half-time the game was effectively done with KP 6-1 ahead and in complete command.

KP seemed set on inflicting as big a defeat on Winchester as they could, with no let up from their players or coaches who urged them on as the second half began. It was to the enormous credit of the boys that they fought so valiantly, restricting their opponents and starting to get at least some sort of handle on KP's captain. Finn brilliantly stopped a penalty stroke and made several other important saves, and the whole team worked tirelessly to man the defences. They also kept their shape and counter-attacked when they could, and Tom knicked another goal in one of those moments.

Despite the result, the boys should take pride in reaching a national final, and recognise that, as individuals and a team, they have developed so much during the course of the season. The boys moving up to U16s will provide them with a great core, and those who remain in the U14s will be the leaders for another adventure next season.

U12 Boys

Season Round-up

The U12 boys have really come on this season with the introduction of new talent and the increased pitch time available to those who are really keen to develop. The U12s finished mid-table with some memorable team wins and plenty of opportunity to develop.

Duffy

U10s

Season Round-up

51 players were welcomed to WHC U10s this year. The focus was firstly on having fun and maximum engagement. Feedback from parents and kids alike confirmed that, for the vast majority, this was achieved with the Christmas “Santa Games” getting the most plaudits.

At the same time, in preparation for the In2hockey tournament and for the increased streaming of the U12s, the talent group were streamed into boys and girls teams, enabling the stronger players to build experience playing together. Stretching the most able, while making sure some events are more “inclusive” is a critical balance.

During the season it was great to see both player skill develop, and also coaches of all abilities upskill themselves. The improvement in most players from 12 months ago is huge.

Thank you very much to the coaching team: Jamie, Jim, Maria, CC, Rob and Richard; you were ace. The DofE girls, Esther, Tilly and Laura were splendid and really helpful; I truly hope they will continue to work with the juniors. Finally, many thanks to admin and organisation guru Ali; a stalwart of control!

Nick

Easter Camps

Monday 11th - Wednesday 13th April

There are a few ticket for Easter camps still available. If you need any help booking a ticket, please let Howard know. Also GKs - don't forget that we have a specialist GK coach attending on Tuesday 12th!