A Busy Day against Beachborough

The opening matches of the Lent term after pleasing performances prior to the Christmas break were at the Daventry astro against Beachborough. In chilly conditions, the 3rd and 2nd VIIs got the ball rolling in what proved to be a thrilling afternoon of hockey.

The 3rd VII started strongly and were soon on the offensive with Issy Mansell proving to be a constant threat up front ably supported by Charlotte Brumpton and Lydia Kember on the flanks.  It did not take long for Natasha Edwards to push from her centre midfield position to score. This settled the early nerves and the girls relaxed which enabled them to play some fluent hockey. Mia Bebbington and Mary Bletsoe controlled the defence and regularly broke down the Beachborough attacks giving Catherine Winterton a quiet game in goal. Shortly before half time, Issy doubled the lead to give the girls a bit of breathing space at the break.

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first and, with Issy extending the lead further, some of the girls were able to experience playing in new positions with Emily Rose and Celine Flowers playing well when given the opportunity to come off the bench. All in all, it was an excellent performance with each of the girls giving 100% and thoroughly deserving their victory.

The 2nd VII got off to a flying start with Evie Drew tucking the ball away after a fine pass from Lucia Ribas within the first 30 seconds of the match. After Beachborough hit back but were thwarted by the post from a short corner, Evie doubled the lead after some good work from Hannah Stafford and Emma Nobes. Unfortunately, this is where the success ended as the girls struggled to come to terms with the forceful Beachborough approach and before half time the girls had seen their lead disappear as they trailed 3-2 at the break.

After a brief team talk, the 2nd VII rallied in the second half and were much more aggressive and determined in their approach. Phoebe Barwell put in a strong performance at right back and looked to get several attacks moving with some quick thinking at free hits. However, 2 further goals during the half put the game beyond our reach despite the best efforts of the girls. Lucy Hayes made good inroads when she joined the attack although the deficit could not be reduced.

The 1st VII were the final team to take to the pitch and were keen to tilt the overall balance in the favour of Bilton Grange. Once again, we were quick off the mark with Mimi Swaby deftly finding Yasmin Walilay at the far post who applied a simple finish with the goalkeeper out of position due to the pass. An injury to Mimi gave an opportunity for Lucia and Evie to have a few extra minutes of pitch time.  A well worked short corner routine saw Beachborough draw level before an injury to Alice Bletsoe curtailed her game although her replacement, Phoebe, produced a gritty performance to constantly break down the Beachborough attacks. Soon afterwards, Kate Broad, who produced a commanding performance in centre midfield with an excellent array of passes, produced an excellent finish giving the goalkeeper no chance as the ball flew high into the goal. However, just before half time Beachborough responded.

During half time, it was clear that the 1st VII wanted to win and it was this desire coupled with their effort that drove them on to succeed in the second half. An unlucky break in front of goal saw Beachborough take the lead as the ball bounced and spun in front of Millie Garland, who made some fabulous reflex saves throughout the match,  to leave her wrong footed. However, the girls did not become despondent and some excellent work from Rebecca Thanangadan on the left gave Mimi the simplest of tasks to tap the ball home. Soon afterwards a flowing move from Kate and Yasmin created space for Mimi who stroked the ball passed the advancing keeper to secure victory. Georgie Vartan deserves a mention for her sterling performance in defence where she won nearly every 50/50 ball and made numerous tackles to prevent the Beachborough attack from getting shots at goal. It was an excellent performance from the 1st VII and fully deserved due to their unrelenting efforts, determined approach and never say die attitude – all promising signs to take forward for the rest of the season.

 

Tags: Hockey, Prep, Sport

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