Under 16 Girls

U16 B v Haslemere - 2-4

Scorers: Eva Akerman, Vivien Scriminger

It was a busy afternoon for the U16 girls with both teams playing at home. First up were the U16 B team with their first league match of the season against Haslemere. Haslemere started strongly and were quickly two goals up against a team which had largely come up from last years U14s.

Winchester kept trying a short passing game and in the middle of the first half a slick four pass move led to a neat goal for Eva.

Haslemere moved the ball very quickly up to their attacking midfielders and we struggled to cut off the supply, but the defence battled to cut out shooting opportunities or relied on Chloe in goal for saves; eventually the opposition scored again.

We kept attacking and were rewarded with a short corner which was powerfully struck home by Vivien to drag us back into the match.

The second half was much more even with the ebb and flow of attack and counter-attack and everyone worked extremely hard to get back on terms with some good attacking breaks but unfortunately could not get a clear shot on goal. Near the end of the game another direct Haslemere attack lead to the final goal of the game.

All the girls tried to play good hockey and ran themselves into the ground which bodes well for future games. Well done.

U16 A vs Reading - 1-2

Scorer: Eva Akerman

Next up were the U16 A who ran out to face an athletic but depleted Reading. The pattern of the first quarter was one of fast Reading breaks which required Chloe in goal to be alert in order to make a number of excellent stops. Unfortunately it was Reading who scored first, but after a stiff team talk at the break Winchester upped the pace with Amelie getting on the ball more, linking with Esther to cause Reading problems down the right flank. Ultimately we were rewarded with an equalizer from Eva.

The second half brought more Reading pressure and a string of short corners against us which we resolutely defended. Jemima worked hard with Lexi in the midfield to break up attacks on the edge of the D and Izzy, Tilly and Vivien worked hard at the back to keep the scores even through the third quarter.

We picked up again in the 4th quarter with a number of breaks but Meghan, Lucy and Phoebe could not quite get the ball past a strong back line and steady keeper.

Reading broke fast again with 3 or 4 minutes to go to score a late goal. Despite some late Winchester pressure they hung on for the win.

Under 14s

U14 A vs Basingstoke - 9-0

Scorers: Bertie Lander, Will Leyland (2), Charlie Long (3), Tom Nolan (2), Edward Swift

A very different story for the U14 A boys’ team this week with their first league match of the season against Basingstoke U141. A strong and attacking start right from the off led to an early penalty corner for Winchester. The boys kept it simple, with a great strike from the top of the circle and the first goal was scored. This really boosted their confidence and they continued strongly.

Our solid midfield were making life difficult for Basingstoke to get through and if they did our defence reacted quickly to get the ball back in our attacking half, with Tom and Ed staying up to keep the pressure on. The boys were really working well together and this was reflected in the goals scored coming from five different players. Great team effort and a big thank you to Luke for umpiring and Kevin for stepping in to manage the team.

Talent Development Group

With one more training session in the current block (after half-term, on 3rd November), this is a good opportunity to thank our head coach, Richard Penrose, and the other adult and junior coaches for delivering such great sessions. Hopefully the participants have been enjoying the training and, from the coaches’ perspective, the sessions have been very successful.

We intend to roll straight into the second six-week block of sessions, which will fit conveniently into the remaining pre-Christmas period. These sessions will run at the same time and place every week from 10th November to 15th December. Those invited should purchase a ticket, which is now available on Teamo as a training entry on the calendar (on 10th November). As previously, this training ticket covers participation in all six training sessions.

This will be the last TDG training block for the season, as we will take a break for the Spring Term. During this time the Performance Coaches will visit the age group training sessions and observe matches, with the intention of assessing progress of individuals and offering development targets.

Club Kit

Please could we ask all players (excluding Minis) to record their allocated Winchester Hockey Club shirt number on Teamo. To do this, click your "My Profile" option from the app top menu, then select player and click the edit icon at top right of screen.

Importantly this will secure your number which is needed for future England Hockey GMS reporting. If you don't yet have your own club numbered shirt, have borrowed one or need a club number, please message Stuart Swift, the Men's Club Captain, who can allocate a number.

News on new club kit shop to follow soon - thanks for your help.