SPORT // BOYS ’ HOCKEY
BOYS ’ HOCKEY
U14 XI
P8 / W2 / D0 / L6
Overall the boys have had a battle this term winning 2 out of the 8 games . Rather than focusing on results and winning I have been extremely impressed with all the boys work ethic , commitment and passion to be better athletes ! Continually every week more than 15 students have turned up to after school practices , showing excellent dedication to one another and to myself . They have slowly adapted to one another acknowledging that everyone deserves respect on and off the pitch .
As we ended the Lent term the final game against St Peters may have been a loss , but they played as a team , looking to pass and move the ball as well as moving for one another . Whilst also maintaining a good structure . Everyone worked hard for each other throughout every game ! Overall the team has exceptional potential next year , continue to work hard for yourselves and for each other !
Player of the Season : Charlie Hutchinson
Most Improved : Eddie Robson
U13 XI
P8 / W0 / D0 / L8
Overall , a very challenging season , but a small band of players within the group have shown the commitment and tenacity that ’ s necessary to raise their game and their performances have undoubtedly benefited and improved as a result .
The tail end of our season was cut frustratingly short following the outbreak … just as results were beginning to swing our way ! With any luck the post-match tapping of sticks and elbow bumps will fade with time and become just a remnant of the past .
Early season was tough , with heavy defeats to Ashville , Yarm and Silcoates before a much-improved attacking display against Hymers . Time and again we struggled to field our strongest 7 and this made it quite difficult to maintain momentum from game to game . Losses to Ampleforth and St Olaves followed .
We then played a much better game vs Hill House , undone only by our frailties at the back but showing greater promise going forwards . Our annual 7-a-side tournament provided us with our only ‘ technical ’ wins of the season , and this came as something of a relief and a positive reward for the work that the boys had put in up to that point .
Our final game of the season vs Bradford was undoubtedly our best display , and I have a suspicion that an additional 5 minutes on the clock might have yielded us with another win , but nonetheless a drastically improved performance all round . Keep at it boys , time and practice will ultimately give you the wins you deserve !
Player of the Season : Luke Mosely Most Improved : Luca Maude
U12A XI
P9 / W2 / D1 / L6
This has been an impressive year for the development of the U12A Squad . Despite some tough matches throughout the season , they have used every opportunity to learn from mistakes and thus improve their game . Skills and speed of play has improved , but tactical knowledge even more so . We have learnt tough lessons on marking , tackling and organised defending from Yarm , Hill House , Ashville and Silcoates however , each match we come back stronger .
Highlights include a well-matched game against St Olaves away to draw 0-0 , a goal flurry against Hymers to win 7-1 and an impressive team performance against Ampleforth to win 3-1 . We returned after half term an even better team and although our season has been cut short , we know with improved strength of passing next season , we will be even better .
This hockey squad has worked hard throughout the season in training and games sessions with each player showing commitment to the squad and taking responsibility on the pitch . Every single player contributes something different to this team . It has been a pleasure to coach them and I wish them the best of luck next season . Well done .
CEM
Player of the Season : Ben Wilcock & Oscar Cowling
Most Improved : Oliver Nicoll
66 THE POCKLINGTONIAN