A Game of Two Halves

Unfortunately, due to the discovery of a World War II bomb in Coventry, the Under 13 Girls County Tournament was cancelled as Bablake were unable to attend. However, Stratford Grammar, the other finalists, turned up and were prepared to have a ‘friendly’ game.

In blustery conditions, the girls had a disappointing first half which was riddled with mistakes. This was probably due to the fact that they were attacking into the wind. The bright spot of the first half was when Constance Krarup was able to get behind the defence and clinically finish her one-on-one chance with the keeper. Brooke Millhouse, in goal, needed to be on top of her game to produce a couple of saves to deny Stratford Grammar on the odd occasion when they broke through what was a resilient defensive display.

The second half brought about a different mindset within the girls and they were much more determined. The pace and accuracy of the passing improved and they were first to the loose ball as they looked to dominate the half. The wingers, Constance Krarup and Hannah Brindley were in sublime form as they terrorised the defence as the continually supplied crosses for the forwards. It was from one such cross from Constance that Hannah Hawkesley was able to sweep the ball home with an excellent finish. Moments later, Hannah Brindley got the goal scoring touch after a goal mouth scramble to claim a deserved goal. Genevieve Barton and Cosima Berry controlled the middle and looked to set up and support attacks on a regular basis. The final goal came from a delightful individual piece of skill from Hannah Hawkesley as she beat a defender and created a bit of space at the top of the ‘D’ before drilling the ball home low into the bottom corner of the goal.

This capped what was an excellent second half performance and it was pleasing to see the girls react to the half time advice as they raised their game.

Many thanks to all the parents who came to support although it was not the game you expected to see. Watch this space as we look to rearrange the county tournament.

CJH  


Tags: Hockey, Prep, Sport