Match Report - League Game - Wallingford

The Boys
So it was a full-strength side which took to the pitch on a clear Sunday afternoon in Wallingford. Building on a fantastic start to the season at the tournaments, the league games give us a chance to play in an openly competitive environment.

And wow! Just wow! The boys really proved their worth, playing what is fast-becoming the established style of the team; a quick-thinking and well organised defence providing a solid platform to move the ball through the midfield and an attacking flair which creates exciting opportunities to score. All of the squad excelled, putting into practice much of the theory and drills from training to run out 4-2 winners against what is always a strong Wallingford side. Barnie and Ned were both excellent in goal, with Toby and Aiden providing robust cover and even some mazy runs. Charlie Cook was, as-ever, the creative pivot in the middle, providing the bridge between the defence and the , with Lucas and Charlie Ralfs-Cole (excellent on his debut) playing simply excellent non-stop fast-flowing hockey. Maurits showed strong attacking flair, driving up and down the left wing, William harrying their defenders to keep them under pressure, and some sensational centre-forward skills and pace from Leo up front, putting all 4 away for the Sky Blues.

The coaches were simply blown away by the performance. Well done boys – you’ve set the standard now!

The Girls
The U10 girls league team were equally raring to go for their first league match. All were very excited about representing THC in the girls first U10's league match. Each and every one of them showed amazing determination and skill, fighting hard throughout against a very strong Wallingford girls squad. All building on the skills that they have worked hard on during training and playing brilliantly together as a squad. Wonderful hockey to watch. The girls were unlucky to lose 1-0 but the score does not reflect the closely fought game which could have gone either way.

Jasmine, Annabelle, Francine and Alessandra showed great skills and composure to successfully defend 8 short corners. Alessandra showing no fear in running out to the hitter each time and blocking any chance of a shot. Poppy, Abigail, Alessandra and Emma were pivotal in midfield, giving 100% all of the time, setting up great moves from defence to attack. Bella and Hattie showed great flair and forward thinking in attack and were very unlucky not to convert the chances that they made into goals. Last but not least, Poppy in goal. What a performance, again to successfully defend that many short corners in her first full game as a keeper – amazing. Well done Poppy.

All in all, a brilliant performance by the whole squad and the coaches are very proud of you all.