SPORT // GIRLS ’ HOCKEY
GIRLS ’ HOCKEY
Pre-season Training Tour
The weekend before school started the first team set off for Peterborough to start their preseason training . What a weekend it was : the effort and attitude of everyone was incredible and it was a joy to be part of the team .
Our first day was spent training at Stamford School ; this was very important as it allowed everyone to get their touch in after a long summer and get to know how everyone plays . It also allowed us to sort and plan the structure and press we were wanting to conduct and my favourite short corners . With preparation done , we were all excited to head to Oundle the next day for our first few matches of the season .
Our first match was against Uppingham and we could not have asked for a better start everyone was switched on and working really well together . The hockey was top quality which lead us to a 4-2 win , with half of ours gaols being scored from short corners . Next we faced RGS this was a tough game against a quick and skilful side which unfortunately resulted in a 5-0 loss . Despite the result I was still pleased with the performance as we kept our heads high and continued to fight , right until the final whistle .
Our last match of the day was against The Perse which was an extremely close game . Despite being tired from our previous two matches we started the game with greater ball pace and were able to improve the connections between the defensive and midfield . Sadly the game ended as a 2-1 loss
with Perse scoring in the final few minutes . Although the score line didn ’ t go our way we were pleased with our performances throughout the day and the improvements we had made .
That evening we went to Pizza Express as a team which allowed us to put our disappointment to one side and look forward to our final match of the tour against Oakham .
In the morning there were some tired and stiff legs so on the way to Oakham we stopped off at the beautiful Rutland water for a team Yoga session . This was extremely relaxing and allowed everyone to focus on the upcoming game , it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and we hope Pocklington canal will have the same effect !
Oakham were a well drilled opposition and unfortunately lead to another loss , however lots was learnt during this game and our team spirit and attitude continued to shine through . This tour has been incredible and has made me so excited for this upcoming season with this amazing group of very talented girls .
Bella Byass 1xt XI Captain 2019 / 20
68 THE POCKLINGTONIAN