The Pocklingtonian 2018/19 | Page 72

SPORT// GIRLS’ HOCKEY U15B XI P3 / W1 / D0 / L2 This season has seen the U15B girls continue to develop in all areas of hockey. The girls arrived back at Pocklington in September full of promise and eager to get the season underway. Unfortunately, the B team match schedule has not been a busy one, but in all three fixtures every girl involved has given their all and represented the school in fine form. The two fixtures against Hymers College were both closely fought matches, with each team winning their home fixture 1-0. In defence, Fiona Tilsed, Louisa U14A XI P10 / W5 / D2 / L3 This year was a real step up for the girls; going from a half pitch game, to full size with 11 players. A matter of concentration, dedication, development and understanding was crucial for their success. With a strong underlying sense of passion for hockey from them, they soon developed and blossomed not only as individuals, working on their own skills, but as a team wanting to do well for one another. To begin with, we struggled to understand U14B XI P5 / W2 / D0 / L3 All the girls involved with U14B’s have been a pleasure to coach thisterm. The effort, determination and level of progressive development have been fantastic. We may have only played 5 games as a team, but the commitment to training in any weather, and the want to progress, and improve to make the next step up to the A’s is admirable. The coaching team couldn’t be prouder of your work ethic, and hard work. One of the highlights was our trip to 70 THE POCKLINGTONIAN Smith and Izzy Scanlon, with Sophia Jackson in goal, remained calm under pressure and ultimately won us the second fixture against Hymers. This victory also saw Alice Crispin score her first goal, off the back of some fantastic team attacking play involving Tatum Robinson, Lucy Wedge and Ellie Hickling. Our final match against St. Peters was extremely tough, with the St Peter’s attacking play proving too strong for our defensive unit but the Pocklington girls remained committed throughout. This year, three girls who had never the fundamental aspect of the game, keeping space and width on the pitch, and that we had positions we needed to keep too. The first milestone came beating Ashville 3-1, which lead with a draw to Hymers 0-0 and then another excellent win against Giggleswick. Overall the best 2 games of the season were at the latter end against Worksop College 4-1 and St Peters 5-0 beating then with some excellent play. The girls played a real team game of hockey, creating space, using the wings, and not being afraid to be positive driving forwards with the ball. Barnard Castle, where we had a 1-0 win. The girls came off the bus in good spirits, and had to watch the A’s lose to a very good Barney Side. As the B’s took to the pitch their attitudes were excellent and determination was thriving. Every single girl gave their heart and soul in effort on the pitch that day, we couldn’t have asked for any more. All girls have started to develop the fundamentals of playing good, adaptive and exciting hockey. From stick skills to match play and understanding, everyone has really tried to work for one another and themselves. Thank you for being a pleasure to coach, for your picked up a hockey stick before coming to Pocklington, played in their first hockey fixtures. Ellie Douglas, Amelie Fedorowskij and Laura Navarro Leiva should be very proud of the progress they have made since the start of term. Coaching a group of girls with such enthusiasm has been great fun for Miss Hornby and I, and we wish all the U15s the best of luck with senior hockey. Player of the Season: Tatum Robinson Most Improved Player: Ellie Douglas Overall the girls’ ability to play hockey has developed drastically and their fixtures have become exceptionally enjoyable hockey to watch. All the girls should be very proud to be a part of the team. I know as coaches we both are of your achievements, attitudes and effort. Fantastic effort, well done. Most Improved Player: Lilly Rose Levine, Daisy Hudson Player of the Season: Maddie Parkinson 100% effort, 100% determination and commitment. Most Improved: Kate Scott Clappison, Lucy Harrison-Little Player of the Season: Annabel Chiverton