 The annual Teddington Xmas Invitational is an event U10s and 12s look forward to every season. Some of the strongest teams from across the South region are in action and it's a great way to kick off the festive season...
It was a great day out for a young side. With a team of Under 12s competing in Barcelona on the same day, this squad were all but one from the U11 age group, which meant we mostly played older and bigger sides.
The side worked super hard as a group for each other and enjoyed a great Teddington festival playing some of the best teams in the South.
In our group we stuck to our game plan and used the width of the pitch to good effect with Isla dominating at centre half, Ella linking well down the left and Martha and Robbo motoring down the right flank!! Liza banged in a lot of goals during the day and the defence were super with Holly letting no players get past her and Katie and Gemma did well to break down the opposition and clear the ball wide when in possession.
Pool matches v Sunbury, Old Georgians
We won our first game v Sunbury 4-0 with a goal from Liza between a pair of goals from Martha and Isla closed out the game. Game 2 saw us play a decent Dragons side who were big a physical. But again we were solid at the back and Grace made a couple of good saves but we dominated possession and won 3-0 with 2 goals from Liza and then one from Isla after a decent shortcorner
Quarterfinal v Woking
Our quarter final saw us play Woking and again played with pace and tempo and intensity. We came away with a 4-0 win which took us on to a tough semi final against Surbiton.
Semi-final v Surbiton
The semi final actually saw the girls play their best hockey of the day. After going down to an early goal we woke up and hit the post from Liza and were so close to scoring from point blank range. Surbiton played well and were older and stronger but I was so impressed how fast and competitive our team was. Very close game and we went down 2-0. Even the Surbiton coach said 'i thought you may sneak that, very well played'.
Bronze Medal Match v Richmond
Our final game came against Richmond and saw 2 well matched teams battle it out for 3rd place. We had most of the ball and the chances but ended up 0-0 and on to strokes!!! Grace had her fame by saving 2 penalty strokes after Liza and Isla both scored. Always harsh to win on penalties, but the girls did well to hold their nereve and win.
An excellent squad effort from all 9 girls on the same weekend the u12 team managed a great 3rd place in sunny Barcelona. To only conceed goals against one team was a great effort and lots of well worked goals in attack!
Thanks to Katie and Mark for their help on the day and all the parents for their great support!! Have a great break and I look forward to more hockey in January!!
Squad - Grace (GK), Holly, Katie, Gemma, Isla, Ella, Martha R, Robbo, Liza
Coaches - James & Katie
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