U14 started the season with a friendly V the girls U16 squad

The boys U14 started the season with a friendly V the girls U16 squad this afternoon. Perfect conditions for hockey.
We had 21 or our 23 squad playing and each was given a chance to shine. We played 4 x 15' sessions and finished 1-1 (goal from Olly), 0-0, 0-3 and then 0-1. Our 'keepers did us proud too - also down to Robert Broadhurst chief 'keeper coach too.
We tried out 4 different formations (as our squad has 20 year 8 players and only 3 year 9 players due to players stopping hockey or moving clubs) and in the first and final 15' sessions really gave the girls a run for their money.
We showed excellent determination, focused team work and resilience when moving the ball around the field: The fitness sessions of the summer showed the boys it was worth it. Always some areas we need to focus (which is why friendlies are great) on, but for the vast majority of the squad it was their first dive into a full pitch game so I saw more positives than areas to work on. Its given us a great base to build our season from and again I want to thank each of the U16 girls for their gamesmanship and supporting the development of the boys team.
Special thanks to the following Clare Seed Edwards Clara Chandler Alicia Chantrey for setting up the game Hal and Julia for fair and honest umping, plus thanks to Richard Birkby Nina Chadbone Nanette Dart for the array of photos plus Alex Yeung for his support this season too.
I hope the parents enjoyed the spectacle too - it was so great to see you thru the cage!
We roll on to our next training session on Tuesday and then we face the U14 girls next Sunday morning where we hope to progress further towards our first league game.