U16 Girls

vs Maidenhead - 3-0

Scorers: Mi-a, Phoebe, Eva

The penultimate game of the season got off to a good start with sustained pressure in the opposition half leading to a goal by Mi-a in the first 10 minutes. The defence had to resist some breaks from Maidenhead assisted by a couple of great saves by Chloe, before another break lead to a goal from Phoebe just before half time.

The second half was a tale of several clear cut opportunities in front of goal but we just lacked a decisive finish. As the team pushed forwards they left a few gaps behind, but any Maidenhead breaks were stifled.

A third goal from Eva finished off the game and despite a run of short corners, the girls did not add to the score.

U14 Boys

EH tier 1 Plate semi final vs norwich - 5-1

Scorers: Charlie, Tom (2), Bertie, Oscar

Winchester U14 boys took the long trip to Norwich to continue their quest for cup glory. In the knowledge that the final would be played at Lee Valley Olympic Park, there was plenty of incentive to get a result in this EH Cup tier 1 plate semi-final.

Our performance coach, Howard Chaplin-White, has been working hard in recent weeks on two objectives - a high press and creating space to attack the right channel. Both of these paid dividends with at least four of the goals coming from these strategies and the Norwich defence terrorised on multiple occasions.

It was clear from the start that Winchester had the upper hand, with lots of possession and pressure around the Norwich D. Charlie and Tom upfront, and Eddie B at right half were the chief attacking threat all game, and it was fitting that they began and finished the first goal. A quick side line from inside his own half was fired down the line by Eddie to Tom, who drove into the D winning a short corner. From the corner Charlie injected to Eddie, back to Charlie and into the net - 1-0 after 10 minutes.

Norwich then enjoyed their best period of the game, building some pressure and scoring a good short corner goal to level the game at 1-1. Some important saves from Finn kept it level until just before half time.

The Winchester boys, however, were not to be denied. Tom was on fire now, and settled the nerves with a couple of goals either side of half time. The first, after some smart build-up play, was finished with a spectacular dive at the back post and then, when Norwich disastrously gifted him the ball from a 16, another was crashed into the goal from a tight angle. A solo effort from Bertie, dispossessing the Norwich right back just inside their half, running down the left side and cutting in to fire past the keeper made it 4-1. Oscar finished off a sweeping move after an unselfish pass from Ed S to add gloss to the result.

This was a special-all round team performance, with some delightful ball movement and hard work in defence. Whilst all players contributed to the performance, special mention goes to man of the match, Eddie B, who was tireless up and down the right flank, terrorising the Norwich defence and creating multiple chances.

And so, the boys get a chance to finish their season in style, with a cup final at Lee Valley on 3rd April. We wish them all the best for a great day.

U12 Girls

As vs Alton As - 3 - 2

Scorers: Freya P (2), Thea M

Winchester were a more dominant team and deserved this win. However opportunities to maintain possession and to score were not capitalised on and resulted in a nail biting match. Winchester did display some superb fast and good technical play and the short corner routine was text book resulting in two excellent goals from hits at the top of the D.

As vs Trojans As - 2-1

Scorers: Isla T, Rosanna FR

Winchester played some superb hockey with some excellent passing and movement into space. Throughout the game Winchester were the dominant side but did not manage to convert some of opportunities that they worked so hard to achieve. The match was a good win and it should help to build confidence for a tough match next week.

Final 2 matches of the league this coming Sunday, two wins could secure the girls a well deserved second place in the league Div 1, subject to other match results… watch this space!!!

Bs vs Trojans Bs - 4-0

Scorers: Isabella P, Aggie H, Daisy R, Sophie B

Brilliant weather for hockey this weekend but unfortunately by Sunday morning Winchester’s line up had reduced to 7, luckily Marina FR came to the rescue which solved a defensive issue as well. The first match was against rivals Trojans B; last week a friendly, this week for real! The girls started well with great pressure and lots of attacking play. There were great combinations, many chances - quite a few wasteful - but credit to their goalie who saved a few good ones. Eventually WHC managed to get through and beat them comfortably 4-0 with all of the the goals deflections; training practice makes perfect!!

Bs vs New Forest 3-1

Scorers: Isabella P, Sophie B (2)

The second match was against New Forest 1. Winchester started the first half more hesitantly and whilst they had quite a few chances, NF broke through in equal fashion giving Lara some proper work with some excellent saves. A great long ball to Isabella in front of a keeperless goal gave the team their first goal. NF counterattacked quickly and equalised; game on but not really as Winchester capitalised on their keeperless situation scoring two more goals (Sophie B) in a similar fashion as the first.

A fab morning with well deserved wins for Winchester B who are going from strength to strength!

Unfortunately Salisbury has forfeited their fixtures this coming Sunday so it looks like the B team will finish their season second in Div 2a.

The C team didn’t have a fixture last Sunday and again Salisbury have forfeited their fixture this coming Sunday, so this will mean the C Team will finish top of Div 2b.

Competition Time!

Win a summer camp day!

Here is your chance to win a day at one of Winchester Hockey Club’s summer camps. All responders will be entered into a draw with the chance to win a free day at one of our summer camps.

There is no right or wrong answer – just watch this video clip and answer the following question:

Was Ed right to make the final pass, or should he have taken a shot? Please explain why.

NB: WHC are in white ‘away’ kit! Answers to Tim Lander by 27th March. Good luck!!