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| Hockey Girls 1st Team 'Blog' |
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Eagle House 1st VII v St. Mary's (Away) Tuesday 15th March Eagle House 10 St. Mary's 0 Players of the Match - Arabella Nunn & Georgina Walton
Eagle House 1st VII v Edgeborough (home)Wednesday 26th January Eagle House 8 Edgeborough 3 (Walton 3, Corner 2, Nunn 3)
Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Menna Braithwaite; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton Report by Ms. Brewster The match got off to the worse possible start when, from an early attack, Edgeborough managed to score the first goal of the game (0-1). Stung into action the Eagles realised that they were in for a hard match and needed to concentrate, equalising almost immediately (1-1). Eagle House started to use the space wisely and regularly managed to play the ball up the sides and through to Sophie who was waiting high the circle. This tactic brought them two further goals and, although Edgeborough scored again, they still led by one goal at the half time break (HT 3-2). The girls went back on to the pitch determined to get more goals and to play their best. The defence started to pass more to the sides, reducing the number of dangerous turnovers to the opposition. The girls played extremely well throughout the second half, they were disciplined in holding their shape and their hard work paid dividends as they scored five further goals, winning comfortably in the end (FT 8-3). Arabella and Georgina both scored three goals and Sophie capped of an excellent all-round performance with two.
Player of the match: Sophie Corner
Eagle House 1st VII v Hall Grove (home)Wednesday 19th January Eagle House 8 Hall Grove 2 (Walton 3, Corner 3, Nunn 2)
Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Menna Braithwaite; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton
With their last competitive fixture in December a distant memory the Eagle’s had some uncertainty as they lined up to play Hall Grove. With the major focus now on Netball it was always going to be difficult for the team to recreate the excellent form they had shown throughout the Michaelmas term. For the first ten minutes the Eagles had plenty of possession, but were unable to convert this into any real scoring opportunities. Any half chances were confidently cleared by Hall Grove’s agile keeper and even when she was finally beaten by a shot from Arabella; it cannoned of the far post and safely out of play. Of course this pressure had to give and a good interception from Sophie set Arabella up with an ideal chance to break the deadlock, which she coolly converted to open the scoring (1-0). We didn’t have to wait long for the second goal to come as Arabella quickly returned the favour when her mishit shot fell nicely for Sophie to step in and score the second goal (2-0). The third was all Arabella’s own making as she weaved through the Hall Grove defence to clinically slot home her second goal of the game and increase the score to (3-0). The first half scoring was rounded off by Georgina, who’s viciously stuck shot smashed into the backboard off a penalty corner, skillfully won by Menna (HT 4-0). The second half started with good opportunities for Hall Grove, who had clearly decided to come out fighting, and Katie was finally brought into the action with two confident clearances. The warning wasn’t heeded as Hall Grove got onto the scoreboard with a tenacious run and finish from their outstanding player in midfield (4-1). Jenny and Coco were being made to work harder now, but it was three quick fire goals from Georgina with two and Sophie with one that completed both of their hat-tricks and killed the game off (7-1). Menna was having her best game of the year on the left side of midfield and it was her passes into the D that were a constant thorn in Hall Grove’s side. With both sides scoring late on, with Arabella getting her second after a good 1-2 from Coco, the Eagle’s ran out comfortable winners (FT 8-2). Player of the match: Arabella Nunn
Eagle House 1st VII v Lambrook (home)Wednesday 15th December Eagle House 4 Lambrook 0 (Earwaker 3, Walton)
Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Caitlin Mack (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Menna Braithwaite; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton; Caitlyn Earwaker; Alice Jennings
After the severe disruption of matches due to the recent weather conditions the girls were just pleased to be able to get outside and finally play some competitive hockey. The heartbreak of coming so close at the IAPS tournament seemed a long time ago and it wasn’t long before the team were back in the old routine. With Lambrook only bringing one senior team the decision was to play an 8-a-side match and Caitlyn was brought into the first team at late notice. Again she took her opportunity to shine, scoring three first half goals in a one sided opening spell. Her first goal was a clinical finish from close range after good work by Sophie and Menna giving the Lambrook keeper little chance. The second was all about Georgina cutting through the defence and setting up an easy finish, which Caitlyn duly applied. The hat-trick was sealed when Arabella weaved her magic on the right to beat three players and then calmly delivered the cross to an unmarked Caitlyn, who wasn’t going to miss the chance of her second three-goal haul of the season. The Eagle House back two of Coco and Jenny weren’t troubled and in goal Katie was a spectator throughout the first half such was the Eagles domination of possession and territory. (HT 3-0) The second half saw Alice and Caitlin Mack play for the school first team for the first time. Alice made an immediate impact on the right side of midfield, following on from where Arabella left off. Two good runs and crosses gave Sophie and Georgina chances to score which, unfortunately, weren’t taken. The pressure was always going to give and after a number of penalty corners it was only a matter of time before Georgina connected and she made the score 4-0. Lambrook showed more desire and confidence to keep the score to just four and Caitlin made two excellent saves to make sure the Eagles goal remained intact and that the final score was 4-0.
Eagle House 1st VII v Bradfield College (away)Wednesday 24th November Eagle House 1 Bradfield College 3 (Walton) Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Menna Braithwaite; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton
After last week’s disappointing end to the IAPS tournament and just finishing a week of exams it was always going to be a tough ask for the girls to raise themselves up for a tough away trip to Bradfield. The Eagles were slow to get going and although they had plenty of possession they rarely threatened the Bradfield circle as the one-year difference in age between the teams seemed to also be having an effect. In fact Eagle House were lucky to only go into half time one goal down as a mix up at the back gave the Bradfield forward time and space to shoot and left Katie with little opportunity to make the save (0-1). Coco was having an outstanding match at the back, but there was little fluidity in the Eagles forward play as Sophie, Menna and Arabella had to live off scraps upfront and fight for every ball (HT 0-1). The second half was a similar story with Bradfield having good possession and making intelligent passes to split open the Eagle House defence. It was therefore no surprise when an excellent long pass found an unmarked Bradfield forward and she finished with aplomb to make the score 2-0. This seemed to spark the Eagles into life and good interchange between Arabella and Georgina set Sophie up with the opportunity and although this was saved, Georgina was on hand to put away the rebound and hand Eagle House a lifeline (1-2).
Unfortunately this was the final highlight for Eagle House as Bradfield dominated the remainder of the match and scored a late third goal to end any hope of snatching a draw or an unlikely victory (FT 1-3). An understandable performance considering the context of the match, but a disappointing result nonetheless, especially after the team played so well last week at the IAPS event. Player of the match: Coco Thompson
National U13 IAPS Hockey Championships West Regional Round @ Millfield School Friday 19th November
Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Menna Braithwaite; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton; Caitlyn Earwaker
Results: Forres Sandle Manor (Won 1-0) Taunton Prep (Won 1-0) Sunninghill (Won 3-0) Castle Court (Won 2-0)
Eagle House finished 1st in their group and qualified for the Quarter Finals
Q/F v Cheltenham College: Drew 0-0 (lost 1-2 aps)
Eagle House went into the IAPS tournament on a run of good form and results and the girls were confident of giving a good account of themselves in the most important event of the season. The first match of any tournament is usually a cagey affair and so it proved as an early goal from Sophie failed to settle the nerves and Forres Sandle Manor were always in the game. In fact it was only a fantastic late save by Katie coming off her line to close down the oppositions forward that gave the Eagles 3-points and the perfect start to the day (FT 1-0). Taunton Prep were seen by some to be the toughest opponent in the group and in spite of the close 1-0 score-line it was a relatively comfortable victory to win two from two and sit top of the pool. Sophie was the match winner again as the Eagles missed plenty of chances to close the game out, but one was enough and the team was feeling at home on the water based surface (FT 1-0). Game three was a little bit more comfortable as early chances were created and taken to put a nice gap on the scoreboard. Goals from Caitlyn, Arabella and another from Sophie gave Sunninghill little chance of coming back into the match and the time ticked away to leave the Eagles on 9-points and through to the Quarter Finals. Match four was all about setting up the Quarter Final opponent as any sort of result would guarantee top place in the pool and a game against the runner-up from group-3. By now the Eagles were flying high and a clinical 2-0 victory over Castel Court was never in any doubt as Georgina was staring to dictate play in the midfield and Coco and Jenny were making sure the defence was solid. Sophie continued her remarkable run by scoring her fourth goal in as many matches and Georgina finally broke her duck to seal the team’s fourth consecutive win (FT 2-0). By winning the group Eagle House were drawn to play Cheltenham College in what was sure to be a tough fixture. With the added pressure of knowing that a victory would mean qualification for the semi-finals and more importantly the Nationals, the girls were understandably a little nervous before the match. However their performance didn’t show this as they were quickly into their stride and only poor finishing and the post stopped Eagle House from scoring the opening goal. Cheltenham was also dangerous on the counter and they were unlucky not to score, but their forward played the ball dangerously above her head and the goal was rightly disallowed. A late chance fell to Arabella as she cut in from the right, but her fierce drive went across the face of the goal and harmlessly over the back line. 0-0 at full-time meant that the tie would be decided on Penalty Strokes, a new experience for the girls and one which was sure to test their nerves further. Arabella won the toss and decided to it would be the Eagles to go first and Georgina confidently pushed the ball into the bottom left hand corner to score (1-0). Katie faced Cheltenham’s first penalty and choose the right way to go saving the stroke and giving Eagle House the edge (still 1-0). Sophie was next to go and unfortunately she could not quite find the corner and her shot was saved (still 1-0). Cheltenham’s next penalty was a beauty as it found the bottom corner and levelled the shootout up at 1-1. Arabella was next and again she was unable to find the corner as the Cheltenham keeper guessed correctly and made a smart save (still 1-1). This meant that Katie had to save their third penalty to keep the girls in the tournament, but it was not to be as another clinical finish made the score-line 1-2 and put Cheltenham through. A very disappointing end to a fantastic day as the girls gave their all for the team and they were a post width away from making a well deserved appearance at the National Finals. To play 5-matches and not concede one goal showed that they played very well, were tough to beat and can be proud of their performances this season.
Bryanston Prep Schools Hockey Tournament Wednesday 3rd November Results: Forres Sandle Manor Won 2-0 Dumpton Drew 1-1 Mount House Lost 0-1 Hanford Won 2-0 Norman court Won 2-0 Eagle house 1st's came 2nd in the section and so went into the Plate Competition Semi-final of Plate v Westbourne House Won Final of Plate v Hordle Walhampton Won 1-0 Congratulations to the team for winning the Plate competition and only conceding one goal throughout the day
Eagle House 1st VII v Marlston House (home)Wednesday 29th September Eagle House 4 Marlston House 2(Walton, Nunn 3) Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Sophie Corner; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton; Caitlyn Earwaker
Confidence was high after the comfortable 11-0 win last week v Pangbourne College and the damp Autumn weather was not going to stop the Eagle House first VII from attempting to continue their fine start to the season. Sophie was back in the team after missing last week’s game and played on the left wing to leave Caitlyn upfront after her debut hat-trick. Playing some of their best hockey so far, the Eagles took the match to Marlston and were clearly determined to carry on from where they left off against Pangbourne as they took the early lead. Marlston were defending deep in their circle to deny the Eagle House team any space, but a well worked move won the first penalty corner of the match and Georgina duly converted to open the scoring (1-0). Not happy to settle for the one goal Eagle House pressed on in search of the second and had a number of chances to increase the lead as Sophie and Caitlyn both went close. Arabella was finding a lot of space on the right hand side of the pitch and it was no surprised when her run into the circle created problems in the Marlston defence and another penalty corner was awarded. This time the roles were reversed and Georgina pushed the ball out to Arabella and she fired in the team’s second goal giving their keeper no chance (2-0). Such was Eagle House’s dominance anyone leaving the match would have been surprised to return at half time and find the score-line at 2-1. Marlston capitalised on a couple of missed tackles to score with their only shot on goal and the Eagles couldn’t convert their possession, shots or numerous short corners into further goals (HT 2-1). As the second half got going it was Marlston’s best player who was beginning to come more into the match. It was from her fine run on the counter that Marlston equalised leaving Katie no chance in goal (2-2). The shock of losing a 2-goal lead appeared to kick Eagle House into action and a fantastic move through Georgina in the middle found Arabella with time and space in the circle; she made no mistake from 8-metres out to put Eagle House back in front (3-2). Coco and Jenny were kept very busy throughout the second half, but even they could not stop a quick shot from the Marlston centre forward. Katie had to be razor sharp to make an excellent reaction save as the ball took a wicked late deflection off Jenny’s stick. At 3-3 the game could have gone either way, but Marlston had missed their opportunity. They were made to pay further as Eagle House’s best move of the match ended up with Caitlyn threading a beautiful ball through to Arabella who completed her hat-trick (4-2). Overall it was an inconsistent performance from a team who can produce so much more. An outstanding first ten minutes had set the bar high and it is this sort of level that will be needed on Saturday when the girls face what should be a tough test away against St. George’s College. Opposition’s player of the match: Georgina Walton
Eagle House 1st VII v Pangbourne College (home)Wednesday 22nd September Eagle House 11 Pangbourne College 0(Walton 4, Earwaker 3, Nunn 3, Rawling) Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Jemima Rawling; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton; Caitlyn Earwaker
After the late comeback against Cranleigh last week the Eagle House first VII were determined to not leave themselves so much to do at home against Pangbourne College. Even with the late withdrawal of Sophie through illness confidence was high after a positive week on the training pitch. Eagle House started with a bang as they quickly raced into a three goal lead inside just three minutes. In fact the first three shots all resulted in goals as Georgina (1-0) and Caitlyn (2-0, 3-0) were ruthless with their finishing. Pangbourne were being overrun by the Eagle House midfield and could not cope with the fast attacks and strong play through Caitlyn upfront. Arabella was seeing plenty of possession on the right wing and it was from one of her trademark drives down the line that led to her first goal of the game. A crisp strike found the bottom corner and gave Eagle House a comfortable lead with only 5-minutes on the clock (4-0).
Pangbourne started to find their feet and their skilful centre forward was starting to see a little bit more of the ball, but she could not get past the solid defence of Coco and Jenny, which meant that Katie had a very, very quiet afternoon! At the other end the goals continued to flow as Georgina completed her hat-trick, scoring the fifth (5-0) and sixth (6-0) and Arabella rattled in her second (7-0) as the Eagles showed no sign of slowing down. In fact if it wasn’t for some brave goalkeeping in the Pangbourne net it could have been double figures by half-time, but a late strike by Caitlyn to complete her hat-trick meant the score at the break was an impressive 8-0.
Pangbourne College didn’t let their heads drop as they came out in the second half and gave a much improved team performance which tested Eagle House at times. However there was only going to be one winner and second half goals from Jemima, Georgina (4th) and Arabella (3rd) concluded a comprehensive victory for Eagle House. Although there will be much tougher tests ahead for this team, they produced a solid professional performance and can take confidence from scoring so many quality field goals. Opposition’s players of the match: Georgina Walton & Arabella Nunn
Eagle House 1st VII v Cranleigh (away)Wednesday 15th September Cranleigh 4 Eagle House 4(Walton 2, Nunn, Corner) Squad: Katie Dennison (GK); Coco Thompson; Jennifer Edwards; Jemima Rawling; Arabella Nunn (Capt); Georgina Walton; Sophie Corner
The Eagle House first VII hockey team could not have had a tougher away fixture to start the season with as they headed south to Cranleigh Prep, a well regarded hot-bed of hockey. There were understandably a few nerves around the team on the bus journey, but under Arabella’s new captaincy they soon settled down and began to focus on the match in hand. It was quickly evident that the two sides were evenly matched as early chances were created and missed at both ends. However, the 0-0 score line couldn’t stay that way for long and sure enough a fine break from midfield gave the Cranleigh forward time and space to slot the ball into the bottom corner (0-1). Eagle House came straight back and went close with good efforts from Sophie and Arabella and finally opened their account with a powerful strike from the top of the circle by Georgina, which went just inside the right post (1-1). Eagle House were now in control of the match and created a number of good chances, which were unfortunately either missed or hit the excellent Cranleigh keeper’s pads. Jenny and Coco were kept busy in defence by the quick and skilful Cranleigh breaks, but managed to protect Katie in goal from too many open play chances. From looking like they were going in at half-time at 1-1, Cranleigh won and scored from two late PCs. Both of the goals came from their star player who hit her shots into the bottom left hand corner, giving Katie no chance. (HT 1-3). A quick and positive half-time talk seemed to do the trick as Eagle House started the second half brightly, hitting the post through Georgina and again forcing their keeper into some fine saves. It was from one of these saves, after a shot from Jemima, that Sophie forced home the rebound to reduce the deficit to one (2-3). Cranleigh then had their best period of the match, also hitting a post, and appeared to have put the match out of sight by scoring a fourth goal (2-4) . Eagle House didn’t let their heads drop as there were still 15 minutes left to play and when Cranleigh missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-5 it was the catalyst for the recovery. Arabella’s tireless running on the right gave the team a number of chances and Georgina finally managed to convert one of these to score the third goal (3-4). All the momentum was with the Eagles now and the only thing that was going to stop them was the time running out! With just 2-minutes left Arabella drove into the circle from the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot to tie the game up at 4-4, much to the relief of the Eagle House players and supporters. A fantastic effort to come back from 2-4 down away against such a strong team and with some more work on the training pitch to hone those finishing skills it could be another positive season ahead. Oppositions's players of the match: Georgina Walton & Arabella Nunn |
