 The Girls Under 10s Fire team journeyed up to Teddington Hockey Club this week to take part in their annual Christmas Festival.
The team had been practicing hard earlier in the week in preparation including learning how to take and defend against short corners which was a first!
Sunday started dark and overcast as we all headed up the A3 to Teddington to play against some old rivals like Surbiton, Wimbledon and Teddington, as well as some new challenges from Old Georgians, Richmond and Woking. We got there to some pretty miserable weather which perhaps meant the girls weren’t as ‘Fired’ up as normal.
Fire v Surbiton
First up we played against Surbiton who always put out a strong side and are a great team to play and improve against. We conceded two early goals while we were trying to shake the sleep from our heads but once awake we looked a match for them or any team and started to get back into the game. We pulled one goal back with about 2 minutes to play, but despite a lot of pressure we couldn’t find the equaliser and ran out of time (1-2). Not a great way to start the day BUT as all the coaches and spectators said we were really strong when we got going and if the game had been a few minutes longer we probably would have shared the points.
Fire v Teddington
The second game against Teddington we started well, were fired up after our loss and competed very, very well throwing everything in to the tackles. We scored three goals to nil and were the better side although positional discipline slipped at times causing my heart rate to race but we came out comfortable winners and the girls were very pleased to be off and running (3-0)!
Fire v Old Georgians
The third game was against a very strong Old Georgians team who had earlier held Surbiton to a draw. In a game of high intensity, great effort and fight all over the pitch we took the lead after about 4 minutes. We continued to apply pressure even having a short corner but couldn’t extend the lead. In the closing minutes OGs had a break away when we switched off for a split second and managed to grab the equaliser (1-1). A tough fought game that could have gone either way and highlights how close Surbiton, Old Georgians and Guilford are with very little to separate the sides.
Fire v Richmond
Our last game was against Richmond and it was so pleasing to see the girls play some of the best hockey of the day to come out winners (3-0). The team passed the ball well, reacted well, kept their positions and were focused. With the team in full flow Richmond struggle to get in the game and we controlled it mainly in their half. A great result to finish the tournament.
The one thing that was fantastic about the team today was that each time we chatted after a match they all had good ideas about what we did well and could do better, and they listened brilliantly to what we wanted them to change and then more importantly put it in to practice in the next game. It’s through their hard work and commitment that in the last game we came out strong early, kept our positions, focused for the whole game and played excellent, excellent hockey – well done all!
I hope the girls enjoyed the experience as much as we did coaching and spectating and are keen for more festivals and tournaments the other side of Christmas!
Squad:
- Bibi T
- Beth D
- Emilia B (2)
- Emily E (3)
- Issy T
- Isobel K
- Martha M (2)
- Sophie B (1)
- Sophie L (1)
Lawts
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