Under 18 (Indoor)

For the first time since their National Cup win earlier in the year, Winchester U18s managed to get the majority of the squad together for the smaller version of hockey, 6 a-side Indoor. Due to England Hockey’s restructuring of the South region, the boys found themselves up against Marlow and Trojans for a place in the National Finals. Confidence was high ahead of their first match with almost all the players having played recently for their respective schools with Peter Symonds College and Whitgift School qualifying for the National U18s Schools finals.

They faced Marlow first up, and having watched a small part of the first game where Marlow played Trojans, as well as some of the boys having played against Sir William Borlase in the School competition, they knew how they were likely to set up. It didn’t take long for Max Wedderburn to open the scoring with a lovely team move allowing Max to pass the ball in at the back post with just three minutes gone. Marlow - who weren’t too keen to apply pressure - allowed Winchester the majority of the possession, however they stepped up after a stray pass and won their first penalty corner which was neatly put away to bring the scores level. Winchester had several PCs of their own without managing to further add to their goals, until the sixth time of trying when Ollie Lander flicked it low and hard around the keeper. Only seconds to go in the half and Marlow won another PC which was brilliant cleared off the line by Dylan, however a later attempt to clear it at the top of the circle resulted in a Penalty Stroke which was put away to make it 2-2 at half-time. Winchester’s half-time message was to up the intensity and speed and this resulted in another early goal - this time thanks to Alfie Marsh. Not long after, Dylan Coleman converted a PC to make it 4-2 and ten seconds later it was 5-2 with Lander picking up a free ball just outside the D and unleashing a rocket into the top corner. Marlow replied making it 5-2 with five minutes to play. In a desperate bid to come out on top having played defensively all game, Marlow rolled the dice and took their keeper off. This brought initial success with another goal, however the empty net loomed as the Winchester boys won a PC and fired into an empty net to make it 6-3. There was only time for a consolation goal for Marlow, making it 6-4.

Going into the Trojans game Winchester knew a draw was enough for them to reach the National Finals, although it was clear this wasn’t the way the boys wanted to do it, especially against Trojans. This was evident when, thanks to goals from Max, Alfie and Ollie Winchester were 3-0 inside ten minutes. Trojans, who missed a Penalty Stroke, managed to grab one back before half time. Trojans didn’t mess about after the break bringing it back to 3-3 within four minutes of the restart. With two minutes left, Lander sent a PC past the GK into the top right corner to not only win the game but send Winchester to another National final for these boys and a third indoor National finals for Winchester in the past six years.

Under 16 Girls

vs New ForesT - 1-1 (5 December)

A frustrating day all round for the team. An unexpected major road diversion meant a very late arrival for everyone and no time for a proper warm up. Despite the biting cold they produced some good runs of play. The team showed great team spirit and were disappointed not to have won. Well done girls.

Vs Trojans B (Friendly)

Winchester lined up in a friendly match against Trojans’ B team with a mix of squad players, Alice Lander playing her first match exactly a year to the day since having ACL and MCL surgery. The game started with a midfield battle and chances for both teams attacking and getting into the D. Chloe Ramsey made several saves to keep Trojans at bay. However, Trojans quality started to show as they took the lead and created chances. Winchester midfield worked tirelessly to stay in the game and a good chance eventually fell to Alice Lander who scored with a nice strike from the top of the D. Trojans continued to make more of their chances and finished the game worthy winners but the Winchester girls gained plenty of experience from the game.

Under 14 Boys

vs Trojans B - 5-2 (5 December)

Scorers: Arthur Hancox (4), Oliver Street

The U14 boys’ squad - following up from a successful match a couple of weeks ago - again took the opportunity to bring in several more players from the squad including some making their debuts. Trojans provided a settled squad containing many year 8 players which will no doubt create their A squad for next season. They played some excellent team match play moves throughout the match and the score does not reflect their overall performance. The Winchester boys soaked up the pressure well from such good team play but for most of the first half chose route one to use up the space behind the high Trojan defence! Winchester did however open up the scoring early on with a terrific, classic right wing move to allow Arthur to easily tap in. Trojans played their part and the score reached 2-1 at half time to the hosts with Arthur collecting another easy chance, after the visitors scored a good wing-based move themselves, despite the heroics of Alberto in the Winchester goal.

Winchester played a much better balanced wing-based performance in the second half with Campbell, Tom, Monty and Felix giving a good defensive platform with Jude and Morgan creating some excellent wing-play in attack. It was good to see Monty back in action having missed most of the season to date through injury. Both Finn and Sam had very good debuts and it was mainly the extra physical strength of the bigger year 9 players late in the game that tipped the balance in the overall score line. Arthur again positioning himself very well in the D to collect two more goals and a strong run by Oliver completed the scoring, in what in fact was a very even game with both goalkeepers making quality saves.

Under 12 Girls

vs ChicHester - 4-0 (5 December)

Winchester displayed some textbook hockey from the start with numerous strong dynamic attacks down the right and concise crosses with efficient dispatches into the goal being the hallmark of the first half. The second half was not as smooth but this very strong U12 girls team were dominant throughout and at no point looked at risk of losing control. The team have focused on attacking straight from the 16’s and pushing the pace and this was demonstrated to be very effective during the match. Well done to the team - an excellent result and delivered with superb play.

vs trojans - 5-1 (5 December)

Winchester made a slow start and Trojans took an early lead. However it was clear that Winchester were a more dominant side looking very dangerous in attack. Winchester took the match straight back to Trojans and rapidly notched up goal after goal. There was some superb play with quick one-twos, and excellent movement to make space for passes. We displayed a hunger for slotting the ball in the net which was well rewarded. The team is really taking shape and gelling as a consolidated entity. The team is encouraged to build on these experiences and use them for the matches ahead.

After two good wins last weekend the U12 Girls’ A team were looking forward to another double header, although against potentially tougher opposition with Alton A and Haslemere Wizzards both sitting above the Winchester girls in the league…

vs Alton A - 5-3

Scorers: Isla Timmis (4), Rosanna Fox-Robinson

Winchester’s first match was against Alton and the girls came out strong scoring three relatively quick goals before Alton settled and found the back of the net themselves. Winchester made some great moves from defensive through midfield into attack which resulted in another goal for Winchester, which was quickly countered by Alton. With the score at 4-2 there was end to end action with great efforts on goal from both teams. Winchester scored a fifth and final goal and Alton got a consolidation third, the final score was 5-3.

Ella R was awarded player of the match by the opposition, having pulled off a couple of great saves.

vs Haslemere Wizzards - 3-0

The second match was much harder - Haslemere were a confident team and although the Winchester girls had their own opportunities and started the first half looking strong, Haslemere managed to get behind the defence to score their first goal. Winchester battled hard and put together some great moves but unlike in the first match they struggled to find the goal. Unfortunately Haslemere scored two more leaving the final score 3-0, a score which was probably not reflective of the actual game as both teams were well matched.

Isla B was awarded player of the match for some great work in the middle field.