The Limelight LIMELIGHT 2018 | Page 17

Under 11 Girls Hockey Hockey at Pocklington Prep in 2017/18 was an enjoyable and successful season. Successful not only in terms of results, but also that every Year Six girl got the opportunity to represent the school in matches. Practices were always well attended which showed a commitment and desire to improve. The girls who joined us, Maddie and Imogen, picked up the game very quickly adding depth to a strong squad, and all players ‘upped’ their performances during the season. I also hope that all the girls will remember their hockey this season as a lot of fun; Games sessions, practices and matches always entertaining. The 1st Team were a very solid unit, the ‘core‘ of the team Carys, a calm and solid goalkeeper who made great saves to keep us in matches; captain Islay, a tireless worker in midfield setting an excellent example to her teammates in both effort and attitude; and up-front Niamh a determined, skilful and prolific goal scorer meant that the school were always going to be very competitive. If you then add into that mix an improving group of players who included: Jess, Erin, Ella, Tilly, Charlotte, Charlie and Lucy and you can see why this season was successful. Their roll of honour is impressive: Sports Day This Sports Day has possibly been the best Sports Day yet and I have been here six yea rs! It included a closely fought battle for points betwee n Jervaulx, Byland and Rievaulx, competing for second place and third place while Fountains were miles in front leading by more than a hundred points. There was also a record broken. Isabelle Sweeting in Byland bro ke the record for the Year Five 150m girls race. If you came to watch House Sports Day the thing that you wouldn’t have seen that happened before the event was the throwing. There were no records broken, how ever we witnessed some incredible jumps and throws! Luke Woodhead topped both of the boys’ leader boards. Cameron Campbell • HMC winners (shared with St Olaves) • District winners • Humberside champions • Winners of the North East semi-finals and qualified for the North of England Championships. Here they reached the final four in the North and were only beaten by the eventual winners in a tense penalty shootout after drawing 0-0 and playing so well in normal time. Sadly, the team lost their final game and finished fourth overall; losing out after getting so close made it feel like they had somehow failed, but the girls need to know how well they did and how proud we are of their achievements, it was a great season. Under 11 Boys Hockey One of the joys of hockey is its ability to allow boys and girls to play in matches alongside and against each other. I have always said that the most enjoyable lunchtime club I take is the Year Six mixed hockey session. Whatever the weather, it is full participation and all players improve in the friendly, but competitive matches. You can see the boys’ skill levels and ‘stick-work’ develop and the girls become more determined in the tackle, as personal battles are contested against their male adversaries! Boys hockey is still at an early stage, but enjoyment in the game and improvement is developing. All Year Six boys were able to play in matches as we can divide the main ‘all-weather’ into three smaller pitches and full participation is important, it was great to see the teamwork within each group develop with this experience. The standard of hockey in local schools is strong as York, Wakefield and Harrogate have well established hockey clubs; consequently the 1st team were always up against tough opposition. Hockey and football tactics are similar, so it was no surprise when the footballers, Luke and Albie, picked up the game quickly. Ben and Joe always worked hard and Ridley and Luca showed silky stick skills, however it was Archie who won the Player of the Year award as he brought his enthusiasm and club knowledge to matches. Our most important players during the season were certainly our goalkeepers, luckily, they were up to the task. Both very brave, Alex brought his strong, tenacious rugby ‘they shall not pass’ attitude to the role and Oliver his acrobatic, dare-devil, Indian rubber limbs into play, both were always in the game and made excellent saves. The House matches were a close affair with Fountains winning the Year Six competition, but unfortunately pushed into second behind Byland whose junior teams did enough to give them the cup. U10 B Hockey 2017 What an effort this group of girls have put in this hockey season! The girls struggled at first in match play but worked hard, listened to advice and showed great teamwork to come away with some fantastic results. Special mentions must be made for Olivia Perry and Scarlett Cooper who worked brilliantly all season on their tackling which made them into two reliable defenders. Olivia Marr and Maisie Burt must also be commended for their tireless efforts as forwards and midfield players who always showed a desire to win back the ball. The highlight of the season was definitely the 7-1 victory over Hull Collegiate where the girls showed how far they had progressed this year. Well done girls on a fantastic season of hockey! U10 A Netball 2018 This year the U10s have exceeded expectations and show great promise for a successful future as a netball team. The girls have worked really hard in games lessons to improve their passing and match play. I have been very impressed with both the accurate shooting the girls have shown and also by the effort they have put into their defending. Having only lost one fixture all season, the girls have shown they are a force to be reckoned with. Well done on a successful and enjoyable season girls, I know the transition to 7 a side netball next year will be different but I know you can do it! 15