After a cheeky lunchtime practice to decipher penalty and long corner tactics, the 1st XI were eager to get into their first fixture of the term. The team combines a mixture of experienced 6th Form students; fresh blood in 6 Year 11’s and a keen exchange student who together form a team with bundles of potential.
The girls have been training hard throughout the first few weeks of term, both in lessons and in extra sessions provided by Spartan Hockey Club. This has included some specialist goal-keeping coaching from a GB goal keeper.
The first 15 minutes of the game was nail-biting stuff. The Abbotsholme girls were creating space and passing the ball regularly along with being pressured by the Bromley midfield. Our defensive back 3 were strong, clearing their line effectively and the transition through to the midfield was positive. Unfortunately the opposition were efficient tacklers and were able to maintain possession as we were trying to progress our attack.
Deep into the first half Abbots Bromley were awarded a penalty corner. After a strong hit from the top of the D, Emily Harris made a brilliant save, however, a second wave of attack was successful, not long before the final whistle.
During the half time break with some much needed oranges and water, the original objectives were discussed and some alterations made, including ensuring that the play remains on the right wing as much as possible. With this focus in mind the girls headed out to battle again.
In the second half, the team appeared less nervous and more confident on the ball which enabled the counter attack to be more effective. Defense was still showing strength even when fast hits were being distributed across this D. Towards the end of the game, lack of fitness was starting to show and a second goal was scored by the opposition.
The final score was 2-0 to the home side. Some marvelous play by the Abbotsholme girls, where each player demonstrated progression and improvement of both stick skills and tactical play. Congratulations to Alex Kuster for being awarded 'Player of the Match'. We’re looking forward to playing Thomas Alleynes after hikes.