U16 Girls

vs Havant - 2-1

Scorer: Viv Scriminger

A bright day with a sunny team, however there were too few subs to match the high pace of play from Havant. The defence became more solid throughout the game, with some notably dynamic action from Chloe (GK). Some great link play from mid field with Amelie and Mia (in defence), nominated as best players. Some interesting views from the sidelines thwarted the forwards’ efforts in the opposing ‘D’ ending in a 2:1 loss. This team shows so much potential and spirit, keeping the supporters on a knife edge throughout. Well done!

Players of the match: Amelie Nolan and Mia Selman

Under 14 Boys

vs New Forest A 5-2

Scorers: Jude Stewart, Will Graydon (2), Campbell Hope-MacLellan (2)

The U14 boys’ squad had a balanced blend of year 8 and 9 players this week with a great range of experience from AC goalkeeper Finn through to Leo playing his first ever match. The two teams were generally well matched, and the game flowed from end to end for much of the game. For much of the first half, Winchester adopted an absorb-pressure playing style with a hit and hope, fast-break approach, but the first goal did actually come from a well-structured right wing move and cross, which enabled Jude to be well placed to tap in. New Forest attacked back well and scored from a great shot from the top of the D with Finn unsighted by a wall of defenders! Will, using his speed in one of the fast-break-type attacks, scored just before half time to re-take the lead.

Half-time gave the Winchester coaches a chance to suggest a simpler passing plan by using both wings much more and a plea to reduce dribbling somewhat! The team indeed took that all on board to create many half chances from fast wing play by Morgan and Jude with good prompts from George. Three goals in all were taken in the half by Campbell (two) and Will, with Oscar (twice) very close to adding to the score. The visitors’ goalkeeper had an impressive game despite being a (large) U12 player and they played some good overall hockey as well. Their attacks easily deserved another well taken goal, which they got towards the end. Many home players took the eye, and the defensive skills of Tom and Rory were a joy to watch.

Under 14 Girls

vs Chichester 0-1

Sunday’s match was very tough. From the beginning we were forced to create pressure and to get back and defend. Although Chichester were strong, we managed to make passes out to the wings. This allowed us to send the ball high and at half time, the score was 0-0, very even.

Unfortunately during the second half multiple short corners were conceded, but Bea Eaton and Tilly Shewry saved many attempts at the goal; eventually Chichester managed to get past us and score. However, this didn’t stop us and right from the restart, we instantly pressurised them and managed to get through their stronger players. We did this by putting the ball on their players feet. Strong passes in the D took place, however the majority of their players were also there to defend and they eventually managed to pass the ball out. Towards the end of the match, the intensity grew and got quite feisty.

At the final whistle, the score hadn’t changed so an outcome of 1-0, a significant improvement on the previous week. The U14 girls played extremely well and were very resilient in their play. Hopefully the girls will take the match positively, by taking the strength, power and learnings from today into future games. Well played everyone.

Players of the match: Tilly Shewry and Amelia Wakely

Written by Arabella Crompton

Under 12 Girls

Friendly vs Haslemere HC

With a real mixture of experienced and relatively new players, the Winchester U12s popped up to Haslemere for a series of friendly matches. With an early fixture came a hard pitch and very cold temperatures but with the pitch safe to play the girls certainly warmed up with a lot of running… unfortunately I think the parents froze a little!!

Both Haslemere and Winchester fielded two teams playing each other once. With results finishing 12-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 2-0 (all in Winchester’s favour) a very good morning of hockey with lots of balls finding the back of the net. We saw some of our newer players showing some great tackling and determination, and some of our older more experienced supporting them on the pitch with some fantastic distribution of balls out from defence.