U13A v Trent College, Won 5 - 3

Player of the match - Arabella H

Played at Trent.

The team:
Jessica R-S Captain
Arabella H
Arabella A
Ella N
Annie G-P
Georgina H
Alice S

What a match! The 1st VII team were certainly in for a tough match. In the first half, the match was very much even. However, once again there seemed to be that hidden determination and confidence amongst the team members. Alice S was focussed on her positioning in the goal mouth and ready for shots to be saved! Arabella H had that twinkle in her eye, hungry for the first goal of the match. Jess R-S, Ella and Arabella A all ready to attack the D to provide opportunities and at the back, Annie G-P, Georgina H and Alice all ready to win possession and convert S. Anselm’s play into attacking formation. The standard of play today was exceptional, Arabella H, Jessica R-S in particular used their individual stick skills to test the opposition. Whilst Annie G-P and Georgina H both proved to have such a good eye on the ball and react well to Trent breaks in play. S. Anselm’s went 1 – 0 down, but were soon to react with a goal from Arabella H, the score being 1-1. The match play was certainly 50 /50 but then S. Anselm’s had a slight lapse in focus and Trent scored again, score 2 -1. However, S. Anselm’s never gave up and the second goal from Trent certainly raised the game for S. Anselm’s, which was excellent to see. Jessica R-S soon scored with a super shot on goal and then again to put S. Anselm’s into the lead at half time 3 – 2. It was a quick turn around into the second half and S. Anselm’s dominated right from the refs whistle. Trent came back to level 3-3 and it was all to play for. Jessica R-S tried out new moves taking the ball to the right effectively and Arabella A and Ella N were close to picking up quick balls on the posts. The second half was absolutely outstanding from the whole team. Alice S saved crucial balls from the Trent attack to keep the scoreline down. Then S. Anselm’s once again had a surge in attacking play to score 2 more goals.

When I see the U13A team out on the pitch, I see pure skill and excellence both from individuals and the team as a close knit unit. At times I stand back and I have to pinch myself, are these girls really producing the best hockey I have ever seen at U13 level – YES THEY ARE! Well done and many congratulations on a fine 5 – 3 win against Trent. You certainly deserved it.

MPN