We had our first full sized 11 a-side training match today for the Under 14s squad supported by a handful of our senior players.

It was an entertaining end to end game with some effective hockey that was a real pleasure to watch, especially when the juniors got the better of any of the seniors! There was some superb attacking play and dribbles forward made by both sides, Jack York (blues) and Seb Persaud (whites) in particular finding a lot of success, whilst in the middle of the pitch the break up play and creativity of Thomas Smith (blues) and Isabelle Baxby (whites) proving equally as impressive. The defenders of both sides had to make sure they were always alert and both sides made very impressive tackles, and with Nate Stilwell having a very solid first game in goal for the whites it was always going to be a big challenge for anyone to make a breakthrough. That being said there was a fair amount of goal mouth action and shots taken, pick of the bunch being Jude McCrone with an absolute thunderbolt that took a great save by Ladies 1st team goalkeeper Sophie Tomlinson!

The defences won out in the end with the score finishing 0-0, but regardless of whatever the score ended up being, the important thing was seeing such a great, positive attitude from all of the players involved, getting some match experience together and of course enjoying their hockey. Whist not everyone involved has gotten a mention, everyone without exception did themselves proud today - bring on the next one!

Blues Player of The Match: Isabelle Aldwinckle who was an absolute rock in central defence.
Whites Player of The Match: Isabelle Baxby - for her impressive break up play and moving the ball so effectively in midfield.

(Players of The Match voted for by the senior players)