U10 v The Elms, Won 2 - 0

Player of the match - Tilly S

Today’s captain Tara O and vice captain Amber H won the toss and S. A. intelligently selected to start the play and let the Elms choose which way to play.  Tara O playing in CF position played the ball forward and she was ably supported by Constance W and Amber H. Holly D ran up and down the field, stopping any attacks and fed some lovely strong balls up towards the opposition goal, feeding the three forwards. Tara O converted one of these into the first goal at 5 minutes into play and a second goal after 8 minutes. The Elms were under a lot of pressure at this stage, but they did manage a number of quick breaks and one of these was hit through our defence into the goal, but unfortunately the Elm’s player who hit the ball was outside the ‘D’ so the goal was disallowed and the score remained at 2-0 at half time.

In the second half the going was tough for both teams.  The grass was wet and the turf sapped the girls’ energy. S.A. played some good hockey, but Holly D’s long balls were intercepted or not converted into goals.  The Elm’s now put more pressure on the defence.  Tilly S held a good position and came forward to block the Elm’s attacking play, Miriam A and Grace T played in defence, and Holly D and Tara O all ended up in the ‘D’ trying very hard to ensure the Elm’s did not score.  Natalie G, playing Goal Keeper, was clearly engaged in the game and had a good performance in this position.  The Elm’s came close, but fortunately for us the ball did not cross the line so the full time score remained 2-0.

The game somehow felt harder than our previous two. Playing on grass requires different skills, the pace is slower and it is more difficult to make the ball travel.  The play also highlighted the need for the employment of simple strategies like sticks down when the opposition attack and again the necessity of clearing the ball towards the sidelines and NOT back into the play.

Thank you for the many spectators who made the game and shouted on, guided and encouraged the girls and even ended up taking the kit home to wash!  The next match is on Saturday, 5th November: the Junior House matches.

AJW