Year 10 Inter House Hockey Matches - Oval

The Year 10 house matches were well attended on a cold evening down at the Oval.  The four houses were well represented with a 7 a-side tournament raring to go.  The four goalkeepers got kitted up to represent their house, Teanby (Barber) O'Connell (Dodd's) Wise (Lever) and Miller (Hodgson).  We were all set ready to go with Bush and Walker umpiring and the goals set up were able to start on time playing the three matches of 20mins.  

There was a good atmosphere and the first game between Barber and Dodd's saw a cagey start, but as the game progressed you could see little phases of play develop through the passing of Anderson, Dutton and McGee.  This lead to the opening goal by Dutton.  The Barber boys struggled to make meaningful attacks at O'Connell's goal often running into contact.  Dodd's doubled their lead through Dutton and just before the end Anderson finished well! 3-0.

In the game on the opposite pitch Lever played host to Hodgson in a tight game in which both teams attacked well, but with solid defences of Smith and Walker for Lever and Evans and Hayat for Hodgson prevented goals being scored.  As the half went on chances came but saves from both Wise and Miller kept the scores even.  It was not until Hodgson broke free that Spink found himself in space and slotted home.  In reply it was late on that Walker took advantage of some sloppy defending to equalise with only a couple of minutes left.  A good game that finished 1-1.

In the second round of match's there was a very one sided game between Barber and Hodgson an which Hodgson ran riot winning 8-1.  Goals from Evans (3), Spink (4), Muise and in reply for Barber, Byrne.  Even though there was a goal fest on one pitch, the best game of the evening was between Dodd's and Lever in which the only goal of the game from close range by Anderson after good goalkeeping from Wise.  But the passing movement and chances shown from both sides shown that this group of players have a lot of potential.  The Lever team had Charters impressing as he made his debut in the competition.  If they had been able to put away their chances past the impressive O'Connell then the house crown could have gone their way!!

The final match of the evening saw the two teams that could win the house crown against each other, Hodgson having to beat Dodd's and and a win for Lever against Barber would mean they finished joint 2nd.  With both games having a tentative start the first goal came in the Lever v Barber match.  The chance came through a Lever counter attack which Walker scored with aplomb.  Gray added two further goals and goals from Aaron Smith, Jadeja and a last minute goal from Charters who pleaded for a minute to be added to play but that was not required as he finished the final goal in a 6-1 victory.  Byrne scored his second goal of the tournament.

In the Dodd's - Hodgson game the battle saw a close encounter saw Anderson again score the only goal, but with a injury to Hayat, disrupting Hodgson and as they had no subs they found breaking down Dodd's difficult.  Dodd's came out 1-0 winners!!

The overall winners with 3 wins were Dodd's lead by captain Dutton, McGee, Anderson, O'Connell, Harrison, Wahlers and Partington.  Well done to their team and to all players, umpires and Mr Thomason for helping out setting up and running the house matches.

1st Dodds

2nd Hodson (Goals Scored)

3rd Lever

4th Barber

Top Goalscorers -  Spink 5 (Hodgson), Anderson 3 (Dodd's), Evans 3 (Hodgson)  

IPT U15 Hockey Report v St Anselms

The date was Thursday 20th Nov, the opposition St Anselms u15, the conditions.... bitterly cold!  As Mr 'Raffa' Thomason and Sam O'Connell entered the Oval car park, a click and the 8 massive halogen lights whirred into action... tonight was game night.

Mr Metcalf (director of hockey) selected the squad of 15 players for the evening's match; could the lads apply the finishing touches to months of hard work?  The Wirral team arrived early and were well into their warm up before the St Anselms squad arrived.  St Anselms brought their full strength team, a manager and a coach to stamp their authority over WGS.

St Anselms won the toss and opted for push back, Wirral chose ends, meaning they were attacking the home end in the second half.  The Wirral plan was simple; keep the ball, make simple passes and support each other.  Despite the initial focus it was St Anselms who started the stronger.  They kept possession well and harried the Wirral team; forcing mistakes from the back four.  Wirral couldn't make headway, the midfield was being overrun and despite good movement from Hodgson and Quereshi up top the St Anselms defence was rarely troubled.  Captain Max Dutton was finding it difficult to settle in midfield, Usman Hayat was ineffective on the right side of midfield as most of the play was on Nathan Walkers reverse stick.  Tom Cheung was doing his best to win the ball back from his defensive midfield role but pressure was mounting on us.  A switch in midfield saw a quicker and stronger Max go to the right side and a more nimble Usman into the centre.  Suddenly Wirral found more time and space, spreading the play out wide and utalising the right hand side - we were now on the offensive.  More activity in their final third prompted 'Raffa' Thomason in replacing Saad's tired legs with the fresh ones of Jordan Gray.  The super sub didn't disappoint, literally seconds after entering the fray Gray found the ball on the end of his stick in the dee - smash - bottom corner - 1-0 - get in my son.  Minutes later the whistle blew for half time.

We gathered in the top goal, the team talk made easier because of Jordan's fluent strike.  Our focus for the second half was defend tight through the middle and then play wide expansive hockey when attacking.  Wirral dominated the start of the second half with Hayat, Broom and Cheung distributing the ball with confidence to Walker and Dutton.  Partington and Evans looked to get forward in support of the midfield from full back.  All was going to plan until we lost the ball and Anselm's scored a dubious goal against the run of play, shuffling the ball in the goal from 2 yards out.  However, the fighting Wirral spirit shone through and we continued to press looking to regain the lead. The match became more open as both teams went in search of the all important  third goal.  Sam O'Connell was called into action making  a stunning save low to his left.  As the game wore on we looked the fitter and sharper side, but more importantly, we had the hunger.  Good work down the right hand side from Chris Partington and Captain Max teed up Jordan Gray for a half chance, he converted with ease - great technique!  And parity was restored 2-1 to Wirral.  15 minutes to go with Anselm's tiring, the Wirral squad flexed its muscle throwing on Andy Ellis, Saad Qureshi, Mike Spink and debutant Tom Wise.  They say you can tell how good a side is by the strength of it's bench - need I say more.  The team took on a new lease of life, fresh legs continued to press home the Wirral advantage and we were now playing our entire hockey in the final third.  Anselm's were a beaten team and Wirral never looked like relinquishing the lead - despite having to play extra minutes due to some dubious time keeping from the Anselm's coach.  At the final whistle it was 'Raffa' Thomason who was congratulating his team on the winning performance.  It was difficult to pick a man of the match with Sam's superb saves, James Broom's resilience at the back, Nathan Walker's consistency in midfield and Jordan Gray's finesse in the final third, but I am giving the award to Usman Hayat for his domination in the centre of midfield.  Well done boys, a thoroughly deserved win.

Pics against Kings Macc - Wed 26th Nov

Cubey pose before the game!!

Wirral 1st XI v Kings Macclesfield

On a very pleasant day down at the Oval we set our stall out with a good warm up, applying ourselves well to the practices in the hope that they would be used in the game.  Our first five minutes made me feel that was the case.  We moved the ball well around the back and played nice passes into midfield and looked threatening.  The tackle by Frank, dribble and pass into Evans showed our intent.  We were definitely the brighter side creating the first chance that saw the ball fired to the right post for Plimly to deflect into the goal, 1-0.  

What came from then on in was a lack luster half that saw us still create good opportunities but again we were not working back and often leaving big gaps.  This left us exposed and open to giving away corners, which we duly obliged. Kings scored two well worked corners back to the injector, which Crawford knowing now, what to do will be able to deal with next time, but we were 2-1 down!!  We were still playing ok, in parts but lacked dynamism and a cutting edge, too many time running into contact or giving away loose ball.

A good run from Plimly saw his through on goal with two supporting he went to goal where the keeper made a good save.  With players out of position though Kings broke again quickly and scored at our end.  How quickly this game can change, 3-1 down at half time.

As always the basics and willingness to win was emphasised and taking a leaf out of the older heads in the team was required!!  The second half saw better performances and a more open game, good interchanging passes from Harvey, Bush and Steadman saw chances created for Evans, Bush and Gawith.  But as the half progressed we started to attack down the right with Walker who played the ball into Gawith, who laid off short but for Taylor to mop up the pieces.  He then played a good ball into Harvey who squared the ball for Gawith to miss but Riddiough to finish from 2yds. 3-2.

The score remain the same despite good possession from Wirral and further chances, an excellent save from Smith ensured the Cheshire side did not further their lead, but again man of the match performances from Frank, Taylor, returning Lui and Bush in the second half.  There are lots of positives it is just a steep learning curve for some players and against good hockey playing schools we must realise that we have to step up to the plate to win these matches.

Well done guys!

AJM

Tuesday's training

The session at the Oval was well attended by all age ranges, run by AJM and CCC.  After the warm up we focused upon attacking in the final 1/3 of the field, looking at creating width and then supporting the play on both the right and left hand sides.  We worked hard on that with AJM mucking in as well trying to show the way!

Well done to all players for attending and for Coopers team that won 3-2 in the game at the end.

AJM

Week beginning 24th Nov

This weeks Hockey is training on Tuesday at the Oval from 4.00 - 5-25 with CCC and AJM and the on Wednesday the 1st XI play Kings Macclesfield at the Oval with a 2.15 start.  The Thursday evening sees the U15 (Yr10) House matches down at the Oval from 4.00 - 5.30.

Good luck this week fellas!

AJM 

Wirral U15's v St Anselms - Oval

The Year 10 team were to be lead by Mr Thomason on Thursday evening down at the Oval.  We were to come out on top with a 2-1 victory against St Anselms.  The man of the evening was Jordan Gray with two goals.  But solid performances from O'Connell, Hayat and Broom according to Mr Thomason.  He will be adding his own match report this week fellas.

AJM

Wirral U14's v Calday

On a cold Thursday evening the Year 9 team ventured down to Calday to play them for the 2nd time this season.  This was the fellas first game for about a month and considering that they are not all playing hockey each week as they have done a rotation to football they played very well.

We started tactically very well with Wilkinson holding the middle of the pitch with McGillaway and Parsons either side ensuring that the Calday team could not attack down the middle.  We started the better with good passing and control with Corcoran making his debut at right back and Jardine at left back we started to look solid!  We battled hard and were able to create a few chances through the inventiveness of Roberts, Edwards and Gouldson linking well up front.  This lead to our first short corner hat was rifled home by Wilkinson and we were ahead.  We were able to withstand lots of Calday pressure with good defensive play from Deakin and diving stops from Dobson.  We were to lead 1-0 at half time, signal the pictures.

The second half saw us perform well again but tiredness and little mistakes caused us to give away short corners.  This lead to Calday scoring 2 close range goals and lead 2-1.  This was not over as we pushed forward often on the break, but to no avail.  I was very pleased with the application of the players, the attitude and approach showed.

We are defiantly heading in the right direction, well done boys!

AJM

Wirral v Calday 1st XI

In a game where we had some key layers missing and some changes in position to be made we played a very spirited game and positive game.  The quality over 70 minutes told and chances were few and far between.  There were tough some excellent performances from Alex Smith in goal who has been a solid performer week on week without getting much of a mention!!  In addition it was good to see Dennis, Oldham and Ollerhead make there debuts.  I felt that the best performances of the day came from the ever committed Frank, equally committed and sometimes unorthodox Byrne and the dependable duo of Harvey and Taylor.

We must step up to the plate and deliver on a regular basis to get results against this Calday team.  We defiantly are getting there but a 4-0 result flattered them and I feel I got more from the game.  I would like to that all of the players especially those who played a large part in both 1st and 2nd team matches.  Well Done!!

Fellas Kings Macclesfield - Home (Oval) 2.15 start.

AJM

Wirral v Calday 2nd XI

The Calday week usually shows us where we are up to with our progress and shows how well we are doing.  When it came to Wed this seemed fairly difficult due in the most part to illness and injury, this sidelined 6 players from the squad that made things difficult but not impossible.  We went to Calday with the 2nd team out for revenge and a better performance than our last showing, the 12-0 defeat!  

We started well with good passing and confidence going forward and look the lead through a well worked goal, TD slotting it away.  This gave us a bit of confidence that this team and especially some of the individual players need.  They will need to step up and play 1st team next year and the character shown by Dennis, Evans, Davies and a more encouraging performances from Spink, Plimley and Byrne were apparent!!

We were even at half time 1-1, but a lack of finishing and costly errors within our own Dee gave corners away and the Calday side put away their chances to win 3-1.  This was definite progress from the same set of players who were playing a Calday team that featured 5 players who play regularly in the 1st team. Mimmmmm!!

Wirral U16's v Calday

On Tuesday evening we heading down to Calday to play on their newly floodlight pitch.  It looks great but we were here to cause a stir!!  After some encouraging performances and with some boys playing at a higher level I felt that we would give Calday a good game.  The score in the end does not suggest it but I felt we did.  It is the work rate that impresses me.  It is a tough game and at time you just have to do the simple things well, pass, control and move the ball at pace giving the ball to our players.

In the first half we did that but silly mistakes cost us and we were two down!!  Conceding corners was our downfall and we were punished with Sam O'Connell deputising in goal we made it hard for him and their accurate shooting and close finishing saw them increase their lead to four.  At times we had good patches of play and for 20 mins in the second half had the lions share of the ball but to no avail, until we broke quickly through the middle through Dennis tenacity and playing the ball through to Edge whose deft touch played it in the path of Farrington who finished strongly.  We had a sniff but further opportunities that fell the way of man of the match Dennis didn't materialise.  

We were unfortunate in my eyes to lose 6-1, but mistakes count for a lot!  But again encouraging displays from Oldham, Eastwood, Ollerhead, Farrington, Edge and the U15 boys whom played their part.  We are definitely going in the right direction and with performances like Dennis's we can only get better.

AJM

This week - Oct 17th

This week sees all teams in action either against Calday or St Anselms.  This should give a good idea as the the progress we have made.  On Tues the U16's play Calday the 6th form turn out at Calday on Wed and on Thurs the U15's play St Anselms at the Oval and the U14's play Calday away.  

Good luck to all teams, reports to follow.

AJM

Thurs - U16 School House Matches

On what looked like a wet cool evening developed into a pleasant evening down at the Oval.  With all four houses teams being fairly organised we got down promptly to the Oval sorting out the goals, pitches, goalkeepers, teams and umpires - Bush, Walker, Plimley and Elias.

With the stage set we started with the opening matches both close affairs with Barber beating Dodds 1-0, Eastwood the scorer and then in the second game Lever scraped home 2-1 against Hodgson with Morris having a promising game in goal.  Goals in that game for Lever by Ollerhead and Kayley but in reply Parsons got one back.

In the second round of matches there were plenty of goals with Barber beating Hodgson 2-0 with goals from Eastwood and Gill.  In the other game between Lever and Dodds there were 8 goals and the goal of the night a lob from Farrington over the oncoming Groome.  The final score was 5-3 to Lever. Goals from Ollerhead (2), Dennis (2) and Hill rounded things off!

This brought the deciding games between Barber and Lever and Dodds and Hodgson.  Both games brought drama but the great performances from Dennis and Ollerhead enabled Lever to come out on top against Barber 2-0 and take the house crown with 3 victories!!  Well Done 

In the second game a closely fought match Hodgson went in front after some hesitation from Hughes allowed Maclaren to finish with aplomb!  But Dodds fought back and some good passing and play from Farrington and Edge saw them draw level and Edge sealed the 2-1 victory.

I would like to thank all players, goalkeepers, captains, the four umpires and to Mr Thomason for you time effort and the quality of play that brought about such a good competition.  Well done to Lever who finished winners with three victories, Barber close in second followed by Dodds and Hodgson picked up the wooden spoon.

Top Goalscorers

Farrington (3)

Dennis  (3)

Ollerhead (3)

Thanks

AJM

Wirral GS v Reaseheath College Wed 12th Nov

We ventured away for the second week running across country to Crewe to play Reaseheath Agricultural college.  This was new territory for us playing here and I was not sure what to expect.  On arriving at Crewe Vagrants ground we saw two lads drag flicking the ball into the roof of the net and also a selection of girls!!  This was going to be new territory for our lads.  Would our minds be focused on the game or distracted by the opposition.  Well the first half seemed like we focused on the girls too much, there were plenty of errors there and where was the passion and desire to play for each other and the shirt.

With the score at half time being 1-1, the goal scored by Evans, there was a stern talking too and questioning there effort, commitment and too often their decision making!  We were to see a better thought out second half with passion and thought.  We kept the ball away from their better players and passed to each other creating opportunities and chances to test the goalkeeper, who had a good game.

As we gained in confidence there were goals for Evans, Davies, Riddiough, Taylor, Bush, Gawith (og) and probably others who I have missed off in the 9-1 win!!  There were certainly pluses to be taken from the second half.  There was impressive debuts for Hayat and Dennis and good performances from Taylor in particular.  I think Frank let his mind wander at times, probably down to who he was marking.  But the stud of the day started as Evans but the man of the match nominated by the girls was Plimley.

Well Done fellas, Bolton next week.

AJM

Tuesday training Nov 11th

Tuesday's session saw a decent turn out with boys committed to improve things after last week against Sandbach.  After a warm up and a doggie we did some shooting and then focused on 5v5 looking and distributing the ball around the back and retaining possession.  There was some good progress made and the introduction of Dennis and Hayat looked promising.  We will see, Reaseheath College away tomorrow!

Wirral U15's v St Anselms - Oval

On a nice Thursday evening down the Oval the Year 10 side assembled ready for action!  With new team shirts (which we will have to get some pictures of) we started well with debut performances from Muise and Quaeshi.  We had some players starting and finishing the game in different positions. Partington started at right back, Lea had a storming game and played the majority of the second half at left back.  Sterling performances from Broom and Evans at centre back showed promise all night.  Wirral went ahead through the industrious Quaeshi who slotted home from close range!

But once that goal had gone in the game was all about mistakes.  Always trying to pass the ball through the middle not keeping possession and trying to do too much  It lead to a St Anselms corner that i think we tried to clear 5 times even with O'Connell back heeling the ball could we get it clear! 1-1.  A stern talking too at half time brought out with new ideas and we had a good go throughout the half employing them.  As the half progressed we saw good opportunities created by Dutton, Gray, Hodgson, Ellis and Hayat as we pressed for a second goal.

It was a much better performance and this team has plenty of promise it must realise it potential and work hard together to achieve it!!

Well played boys!

AJM

Sandbach 6-1

Now where do I start with the shambles that was Sandbach on Wednesday!!  We started poorly with Lyness not showing up on time, and with the rest of the team saying he had gone to the shop and it being 12.50 we had to make tracks.  The hour journey seemed to have everyone is decent spirits and prepared for the game.  With the team sorted we put in a good warm up and were ready to go.

I guess the crazy thing was we started very well, passing the ball around well, keeping possession, creating opportunities, whilst keeping it quiet at our own end.  Even moving the ball around the back confidently was taking place!!

A few good runs by Bush, Walker and Riddiough brought the first goal, Walker applying the cross for Evan's to apply the fancy deft touch.  We were ahead and playing some good stuff, the problem was we began to over commit, therefore leaving gaps for a quick Sandbach side.

Sandbach equalised through mistake one there would be further errors that lead to us being 4-1 down at half time!  Unbelievable considering for 20 minutes we had been by far the better team.  To make matters worse we started superbly creating chance after chance, falling to Harvey, Evans, Riddiough, Spink, Bush and Plimley nothing going in.  I said to Cubey its going to be one of those days.  How they scored six goals only the lads know, but we must play more as a team and work harder together.  Mistakes are costly but it made look like we had been battered which was not the case, but we have to play for 35 mins each half!!

Nevertheless again there were good performances overall from Frank, Eastwood, Taylor and relentless work from Harvey, Bush and Evans but lessons must be learnt for next week!!

AJM

Sandbach Wed 5th Nov

Guys tomorrows game is just a 1st team game away at Sandbach, we are going in the Mini Bus if you can make sure you are at the changing rooms at 12.35. There will be a team of 15 going to Sandbach, the second team players not involved can take part in other 6th form activities.  See you tomorrow lunch.

AJM

Tuesday training 1st and 2nd team

Tuesday training and Friday training on this week at the Oval 4.00 - 5.20 and on Friday 12.35 - 1.20 in the Sports Hall.

AJM

Disappointment!!

Lads unfortunately due to an enquiry into Craig playing in the cup, it is down as an England hockey regulation that he must be on the school roll to play in the cup competition.  Therefore we are not going to be playing in the final.  I'm gutted and apologise to every player involved for the fact that we have all done so well in all of the matches so far this season!!

So that you all know for Wednesday 5th Nov we are playing Sandbach away 1st and 2nd team leaving at 12.45.

AJM