This week was another great week of hockey with all the girls in the Prep School once again having the opportunity to play in a match. On Wednesday there was a big block against St Michael’s, whilst more of the senior teams travelled to Bede’s. Thursday saw the juniors play local rivals Somerhill and the weather over the two days was stunning, if not a little too hot for hockey. The last games of this half term before the girls have a good rest over the 2 week break, after which we look forward to more hockey matches and some netball matches as we move later into the term. Well done girls and enjoy the break! SP
1st Team Hockey
The 1st VII had an incredibly tense game away to Bede’s this week. The two teams were well-matched in their previous games and this one was no different. Bede’s started brightly, with a number of scything attacks down the right-hand side and some superb skill in the Holmewood circle. Their pressure eventually told and they scored first. Holmewood responded with some pressure of their own, but were unable to convert their scoring opportunities until Saoirse managed to secure her own rebound from a shot down the left-hand side. The game then became an end-to-end affair, with both teams scoring again to leave the scores tied at 2-2 before another superbly taken counter-attack saw Saoirse bag yet another hat-trick to put Holmewood in the lead. In the final minutes, some excellent (and rather desperate) defending managed to keep out the hosts and Holmewood were able to take the tightest of victories, 3-2. DB
2nd Team Hockey
The 2nd team had a good albeit short match against St Michael’s where the girls rotated around positionally. We struggled a bit to get the ball wide and goal bound in the first half but a few positional changes and some words of advice that the girls listened to at half time meant we scored 3 quick goals to give us a convincing win. Great work from all the girls. TB
3rd Team Hockey
Drew 1-1
Our 3rd girls faced Bedes on Wednesday. We scored early on and seemed to control the rest of the half. After half time we took our foot off the pedal a bit which allowed them to score ending the game in a draw. We held onto the ball and passed the ball excellently to each other all throughout the game, which was a big positive from last week. Great game girls! Enjoy half term. DG
4th Team Hockey
Drew 1-1
Our 4th team had a very back and forth game against Bedes. We went 1-0 down towards the end of a half that we seemed to dominate. After half time the girls came out with a newly found desire to win and took the game to their opponents. Scoring early and pressing hard to try get a winner. We were unfortunate not to score, ending the game in a draw! Very well done girls, enjoy your half term! DG
U11A Hockey
Having travelled to St Michael’s for our match this week, it was all a bit of a shock to play such an attacking team who scored quickly within the first couple of minutes. Our girls worked hard and had a couple of great breaks from Millie and Shekinah on the wings, but we struggled to score and the opposition would capitalise on every loose ball or soft pass. On the positive side, our defence had lots of practise, which hasn’t been the case in our other matches, and Pippa was kept very busy as the goalie. She made so many great saves, but the follow up from St Michael’s was quick and strong and they just kept on scoring. All credit to the Holmewood girls who kept their heads held high and never gave up. Player of the match was very deservedly Pippa… very well done, and let’s all stay positive and strong for St Ronan’s after half term. SP
U11B Hockey
Lost 2 0
This away fixture was probably our toughest test this term against strong opposition. Nevertheless, we approached the match with a tactical plan – to move the ball at speed, to scan the area to decide when and where to offload and then to execute a powerful pass onto the moving receiver, whilst using all the pitch. For the whole 28 minutes the team were relentless both in defence and attack and never gave up or slowed down. Well done to Cassie, Ottlilie and Eleanor who put their forwards under huge pressure. Also to Zoe, Nilaya, Charlotte and Captain Amaia for their speed with the ball and several great attempts at goal. Again another exciting game and all credit to the whole team for their total commitment throughout. POM Charlotte and also GK Maya who was formidable today.
U11C Hockey
The girls worked really well. Some great skills and working great as a team. The girls came back in the last quarter from 3-0 down but managed to get 2 goals. Bringing the final score to 3-2 to St Michaels. Well played girls. Girl of the game was Rebecca. EB
U10A Hockey
The U10A team had an equally played match against St Michaels. Drawing 0-0, we started the first half playing down the middle. As the second half started, we began to use the width of the pitch which gave us a few attempts at goal. Rebecca in our goal saved 2 penalties and player of the match goes to Bea. KB
U10B Hockey
The U10B team had an evenly matched game against St Michaels. We had some great passages of play, but struggled to score a goal due to their defence. Equally as good was our defence too. Some good positioning from Sofia on the wing, allowed Marsaili to pass out wide and find space, with Isla positioning well up front. We were unlucky to score. Great effort from all. KB/LM
U10C Hockey
The U10C team dominated the game, winning 4-0. Anna and Flo H running the wings really well, fed the ball up for goals to be scored. Tavonga was awarded POM by the opposition. Well played everyone. KB
U10D Hockey
The team were excited to play St Michael’s this week on what was a beautiful afternoon. The match was very tight with St Michael’s having one strong girl who dominated. Holmewood played more as a team with good passing from Hannah in defence to Fleur who worked tirelessly in the midfield and Anne who was quick down the wing. Holmewood definitely played the better hockey, but struggled to score and came away with a 0-0 draw. Players of the match were Fleur and Anne who were the real back bone of the team. Well done girls! SP
U9 Hockey
We had a great afternoon of hockey with all of the girls starting to really show some improvement in their hockey. The ball was spending much more time away from the middle of the pitch and there were lots of lovely goals scored throughout the afternoon. Some extra work needed on our defence play after half term for our last couple of hockey games before heading into the netball season. TB
U8 Netball
What a fantastic afternoon of hockey! I was so pleased to see the improvement in the girls’ play against Somerhill and although we didn’t score as many goals overall as our opposition, the positioning, passing and use of space was much improved. The application and work rate is also improving and the girls seem to be understanding the concept of being competitive in matches. I am looking forward to another couple of weeks of hockey after half term before moving onto netball for the remainder of the term, Well done girls! SP
