Player of the Match Laura M
What a fantastic start to the season! The Under 9 girls travelled to Wellow for an early first match of the season and came away with a 4-0 victory.All the girls put a great deal of effort and I am particularly impressed by how the girls gelled together as a team. It was positive to hear from our numerous supporters (thank you to all who made the long trip) how much the team have improved since last season.
At the back were Tilly S and Natalie G, who fortunately (or is that unfortunately for our backs?!) didn’t see much action. Tilly S did well anticipating the play and she was able to cut down any advances promptly and efficiently. Natalie G kept focussed throughout the game and is keen to contribute. Wellow did not score any goals in this match.
In the centre field were Holly D and Miriam A. Holly D played an excellent sweepers role and cut down many of Wellow’s advances. She helped us to keep to the clean sheet of goals against us and also supported the forwards, and was the scorer of goal number 4. Miriam A, despite her initial reserve, got involved in the game and made a sound contribution even though she is new to hockey and to our school.
Up front we had three able forwards: Laura M, Constance W and Tara O. Constance W stepped forward from sweeper to play further forward and she did a great job of holding her space, she was able to contribute to all the goals scored and she was also good at directing the ball from long corners. Tara is a fierce work horse and she battled throughout the game. Tara also scored the first goal after only 3 minutes of the first half and this really lifted everyone’s spirit. Laura M played on the left, held her space well and kept a good focus throughout the game. Laura was also our leading scorer, achieving 2 goals. For this match I have awarded her Player of the Match.
Overall it was a really great start to our season. We must now focus on two things. The first is to work on safe and fair play: keeping sticks low, no wild swinging and sticks controlled at all times. Our second issue is looking to spread out the play. It is important for the girls to look sideways as well a straight to the goal, and equally for all our players to offer these options and to get in front of the defenders.
Our next game is quite a few weeks away so it will give us chance to work together on these skills and tactics. We look forward to our next match.
Thank you for all the support and encouragement.
AJW
Posted on
Thu, September 16, 2010
by MAC