Fantasy League - Game 2

The game against Bebington HC and the games today against St Anselms have counted with some very good performances overall. Keep looking out for your team and your points!

AJM

Wirral GS v St Anselms 1st/2nd

In the first games of the season against St Anselms, the Wirral boys started poorly and played fairly poorly in the first half. Not really taking on board the points for the day! But we were to take the lead through a loose ball that fell to Evans to finish well on his reverse stick.

As the second half progressed we sat off and some poor defending down the St Anselms left saw the Saints boy drive into the dee and equalise at the near post. As the second half developed we improved and by attacking wide we created more opportunities. It lead to a well worked corner in which Walker finished after a good injection. It was the first time in which we had won a poor game against St Anselms for a couple of leagues.

As the 2nd team got into action there were some terrible defensive mistakes that lead to a poor first goal past Phil Burgess. But as the side found their feet moved the ball well through the ever improving Ollerhead. We equalised through a great through ball to Farrington who finished with aplomb!

In the second half a strange second goal conceded by Johnstone that just looked like he left the ball to go it from a deflected shot!! Strange. As the pushed forward again the Wirral boys pressed on and Barry scored after three attempts past his old school to equalise. With only 25 seconds left the ball breaked for Ollerhead to drive into the dee at the goalkeeper, to then slip it left to Edge who surely could not miss but he hit the post! Amazing!! Should have been 3-2 but some very good performances from many players pushing for the 1st team.

AJM

Wirral GS v Birkenhead School U15's

In the first competitive game for the Wirral U15s at Birkenhead, a bright start saw the Wirral boys on the attack but positional sense at time was letting the Birkenhead side get into the game. After a few corners the Birkenhead team took a lead through a shot that hit Wilkinson on the foot and flew into the net from a corner. As the half progressed we pressed well and attacked positively that lead to a break on the right hand side of the dee. McGilloway fed Gouldson who finished well from five yards out beating the keeper from close range!

The chat at half time was to continue in the same way, but the Birkenhead attacks put alot of pressure the Wirral defenders who's first touch was poor! The final score was not great with a 6-1 scoreline. Plenty to work on but not all bad and with the game on Thurs to see improvements!

AJM

Game v Past Players at Bebington HC

A game was played at Calday Grange on Fri 18th Sept between the Wirral GS squad and the Bebington HC (Suppose to be 3rd team) but actually 1st team. Not a great practice for our lads but another 70 mins with preparation for the start of the season!

AJM

Fantasy League - Game 1

After the first fixture between Wirral 1st XI and Neston, 4-3 it see's Tom Dennis lead the way probably because he had himself who was man of the match and Jack Evans in his side.

AJM

Wirral GS v Neston HS

The beginning of the season has arrived playing a competitive friendly away against Neston was the location. It was on the afternoon of an early finish for Open Evening. But good preparation and on our arrival at the Rec a chance to warm up and work on some skills.

We looks pretty good and started the game well going forward, keeping possession and creating chances! Only to find that when you hit the ball straight at the keeper he has a chance of saving it. After the first 15 mins had elapsed and chances gone begging, Plimley finished nicely from close range past the keepers left.

But no sooner had that happen, miscommunication and poor passing between Crawford and Walker lead to their centre forward rifling the ball past Smithy in the roof of the net. We continued to push on and further, what could could only be described, as chances that were harder to miss, were missed. We then took the lead through Evans but again a reply from Neston and some silly mistakes was allowing them into the game.

We moved to a half court and looked to counter attack and get our defensive shape and this improved our play, further runs from Lyness lead to chances that were not taken by our forward line. But a optimistic punt forward from Rid saw Evans in the clear who finished smartly. It was not the end of proceedings as Neston levelled following some poor defending, but a ball fired into the dee was deflected in by Wright to win the game for Wirral 4-3.

In the end we started with a win but things need addressing defensively and this is an area we can work on and also the ability to take our chances as it could have been ten!

AJM

Training every Friday Lunch

On alternate weeks fellas there will be 1st & 2nd XI training and use of the fitness suite on a Friday. This will be in week A and then the U16 & U15 in week B.

Indoor hockey is a really good way of developing and improving your individual skills and improving your touch.

AJM

Wirral Gs v Old Boys XI

In the first meaningful fixture of the season the Wirral GS squad assembled down at the Oval to play against some of last years 1st team. It was a productive game with the chance to see all of the squad play. It was also a chance for the lads to play the new rules!

The 4-1 win saw us get off to a good start with goals from Evans and Riddiough. I apologise but we didn't keep up to date with who else scored. A good overall start and very productive. Neston next!

Welcome back fellas

The start of the 2009/10 season is here and I hope that we can hit the ground running. This week sees all of the new squads begin training and the first game is on Wed 9th Sept against an Old Boys team. The push back is 2.30 and will be a test for the 1stXI squad.

This season we are launching a fantasy league in which all players and families can attend by following the widget on the blog page or by visiting the following link and logging in.

Fantasy League Link.

http://www.fantastar.com/englandhockeyleague/

New Physical Education Website

Welcome to the new Physical education Website with the attached address below. We will be getting the results of there linking to the blogs, storing the sporting fixture pictures and recording results.

http://web.me.com/antonypne/Wirral_GS_Physical_Education/Welcome_to_PE.html

AJM

Wed 1st April - Presentation Evening & Curry

I would like to thank all of the players, Mr Cooper, Mr Thomason and Luis for their attendance at the Curry night to have our end of season presentation.  It has been a very good season and the presentation of the school colours and half colours shows a real progress and development in school hockey.  I wish to contradulate Phil Taylor (1st team player of the season) and Jay Elias (2nd team players of the season) who were voted for by the players.

I hope that we can work hard individually in preperation for the next season with you guys in lower 6th and Yr 11 and I would like to again thank the services shown by Harvey, Taylor, Gawith and Frank who leave us this season.  

Well done

AJM

Wednesday 26th March - Oval

There were 16 goals and flicks that helped to decide the game between the upper and lower sixth mixed sides on a nice day down at the Oval on Wednesday afternoon.  Starting at 2.15 the 7 a-side game started and was played on the full pitch bringing to the end the WGS careers of Harvey, Taylor and Frank at the Oval.  The game was played very open with chances at both end and lead to an 8-8 draw and therefore a penalty flick competition.

Well done to all players and thank you to Mr Cooper for umpiring.

AJM

2nd XI v Denstone College

In the 2nd team game we prepared well and looked confident and the part with an overall fairly young and inexperienced side captained by Gawith.

We started well and with the confidence of Dennis, Wilkinson and attacking play by Ollerhead looked like we cold cause them trouble. A great chance fell to Farrington from Oldham's through ball who amazingly shot wide. We were just a little too nice first half and needed to keep our position and shape. It was a hot day and players were getting tired and so with the use of rolling subs everyone got a good game.

A little bit against the run of play in our attempt to clear from a 16yd hit we presented Denstone with the ball leaving Burgess little chance 1-0. We then had a few chances ourselves and at half time the score was close. As the second half got under way a great chance fell to Spink who has his shot saved and within 30 seconds Denstone had scored on the break. A third suicidal goal was conceded leaving use 3-0 down without doing much wrong. As we pushed for a goal with further chances falling to Farrington, Wilkinson, Dennis and Spink the Denstone boys scored two more making it 5-0.

I would say thou if we had taken our chances and cut out the needless mistakes the game would have been much closer. It was a good day and excellent experience for the boys and overall a good display. There has been a lot of progress made by many of their boys from their basic skills, their confidence and ability within the game.

Well done

AJM

Wirral v Denstone College 1st

After the usual 1hr 45minute journey down towards Stoke way, we arrived at Denstone College 30strong for the 1st and 2nd team games. After splitting to play on two pitches the 1st team with Mr Cooper started well in a fast open game. Thy took the lead through Lyness and then continued to dominate the game for 15 mins. We then had a further chance that fell to Evans who had his shot amazingly saved by the keeper when it was destined to go in.

The Denstone side came back strongly and missed tackles and corners conceded lead to them scoring 1-1 and then taking the lead 2-1. At that stage we missed more useful opportunities. In the second half it was again very open and could have gone either way but the German short corner specialist scored four to leave the score 5-1.

An overall conclusion they converted we didn't!!

AJM / CCC

Tuesday 17th March - Training

Well done for the excellent attendance and turn out from all players who attended training on Tuesday. An excellent skills circuit was attempted and achieved well by many of the players. I hope that you can employ the use of those skills within the games that you play.

Well done

AJM

Wed 18th March v Denstone

We will be leaving at 11.15 to go to Denstone College playing both teams at the same time 2.30.

AJM

Training Tuesday 17th March

There is training on Tuesday 17th March at the Oval with a Skills circuit. There will be no training on Thursday 19th March due to the Year 7 Parents evening.

AJM

Wirral GS Year 10 Hockey House matches

Year 10 Hockey House Matches - Thurs 12th March

The Year 10 House matches were well attended on a mild evening down at the Oval. The four houses were well represented with a 8 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 Eastwood umpiring with AJM and the goals set up. We 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 battling start from Barber but mistake ridden which saw Josh Simpson latch onto two early chances and scored from close range! The drive and skills of Anderson, Partington and Dutton lead to further chances for Simpson who scored his hatrick. The Barber boys struggled to make meaningful attacks at O'Connell's goal, but a chances for Black and Querashi were squandered and Dutton finished off another chance for Dodd's who won 4-0.

In the game on the opposite pitch Lever played host to Hodgson in a tight game in which both teams attacked well, this game was full of chances and it was a good close finish from Hodgson that got this game going. A good shot that Wise could not do much about from Evans brought the scores level, but Charters won the game for Lever in the last five minutes of the game 2-1.

In the second round of match's there was a tight game between an improving Barber and Hodgson which saw Barber score through Black with a firm strike but a brace from Spink saw Hodgson win 2-1, different from the 8-1 win from Hodgson in the house matches before Christmas. On the other pitch the two strong sides of the evening held out for a 0-0 draw, even though their were plenty of chances for both teams. But the passing movement and chances shown from both sides shown that this group of players have a lot of potential.

The final match of the evening saw Lever play an open expansive game leading to opportunities at both ends, Barber had played the best hockey of their evening with good performances on their debut from Hatter and Bowman. But Lever scored through Jadeja with five minutes to spare. That goal meant that Dodds had to win in their last game against Hodgson. But an early goal through Simpson the top goalscorer saw Dodds take the momentum and further chances fell fro both teams but it was a good finish from Spink that meant there game was a draw and that Lever won the title.

It is a testament to the players that the hockey has improved massively. I would like to congratulate the winners Lever, lead by captain Walker, Hodgson, Gray, Jadeja, Smith, Wise, Ellis and Charters. Well done to their team and to all players, umpires and Mr Thomason for helping out setting up and running the house matches.
1st Lever
2nd Dodds
3rd Hodgson
4th Barber
Top Goalscorers - Simpson (4) Spink (3) Dutton, Hodgson, Jadeja, Black, Evans & Charters (1)

1st XI v Bolton School

On a nice afternoon down at the Bebington Oval we were well prepared getting down to the pitch for 1.45. With an extended squad this week it meant that we could make changes and give all members of the squad a game. It can be a tricky against Bolton we started well but found a solid well organised Bolton side and we found it difficult to break them down. It took a change of formation moving Bush up as a right forward with Lyness and Evans. It was the attacking instinct of Bush and Lyness down the right and left that began to create openings. This lead to the first goal that saw Plimley pounce onto a Bush pull back, 1-0. We were playing some good stuff but we couldn't take our opportunities and chances, but short corners are an issue and decision making around the dee is poor and needs working on. Lyness doubled the lead before half time, 2-0. I then explained the new tactics on numerous occasions but it was beginning to work the only floor again in the second half was our overall fitness! A quick burst saw Lyness score his second and Evans score two close range goals. A mess of a short corner saw Bush score and then the introduction of Byrne saw him finish smartly and Lyness linked together with Evans to complete his hatrick. The Bolton side didn't give up but their players just played on the break and scored two goals past debut goalkeeper Burgess. Bush finished off proceeding in an interesting game that saw us again play some good hockey and score amazingly nine goals. The progress made by all players is very good, but some aspects of the game need developing for us to maintain the success we have had over the last few weeks.

Well done, 9-2 win!

AJM

1st XI v Bolton School

The game on Wednesday 11th March is at home against Bolton School. All players fro the full squad should be at the pitch for 1.45. The game is just for the 1st team but will involve a large squad so that we are all fit and ready for our penultimate game of the season at Denstone College.

AJM

Wirral U14's v St Anselms

On a cold Thursday night a very large squad of budding, enthusiastic players descended on the Bebington Oval. It was great to see the lads raring to go and with some players starting their first game it was going to be interesting to see how we got on. After a sleepy start we began to move the ball to each other but too often we played the ball down the middle into contact or played the ball into their hands.

As the half progressed the likes of McGilloway, Lewin and Wilkinson began to link things together. Creating opportunities and getting a couple of short corners. The first that saw Wilkinson move to the right to change his angle and shoot low and hard past the St Anselms keeper, 1-0. With changes taking place left right and centre and with debuts for Knott, Portbury and Bolderson and returns for Lawton, Clegg, Lee and Jardine. It was impressive to see us get further chances and a solid performance from Graham kept the score down at the Wirral end.

Once Crane scored from close range from a Wilkinson short corner we started to play better hockey. We were just lacking width and the use of Lamen and Edwards. As we approached half time a St Anselms shot hit Lee on the foot only for St Anselms to react quickest and score from close range, 2-1. At half time we saw another debut for Cotcher Riley in goal. He was able to keep a clean sheet as further changes saw all of the boys get a good 15/20 mins each.

I have been really impressed with the approach and attitude of the boys throughout the season both to training and to the matches. This is a team that can only improve and with weekly sessions I am sure that this tea with have future success.

I feel that if more of the boys can begin to play club hockey the better the squad and team can become. It has been good working with you guys this season. Well done

AJM

Wirral 1st / 2nd's v St Anselms (Oval)

In our final duel of the season against our local rivals, both teams were down at the Oval ready to go, warming up well and up for the game!! Following on from the last two weeks performances the key thing against St Anselms is competing and taking our chances.

We started brightly and both teams looked to play hockey. The first chance fell to Wirral who saw Evans in the dee, with a little composure he could have finished from five yards out. But his touch deserted him. This seemed to be the case, but we kept plugging away. There were solid excellent performances from Taylor who looked to build and dominate midfield, the ever improving Lyness and Rid in midfield were looking to create further opportunities for the pacey Wright and poacher Evans. The opportunities were just squandered and I felt we would end up paying for our mistakes!!

As the half developed Saints created a couple of opportunities and scored two goals in quick succession! How I don't know because on the balance of play and short corners we should have at least scored! It maybe was going to be one of those days. 2-0 at half time was harsh, but we needed to alter things having a go at half court that worked and put St Anselms under pressure. We pulled a goal back through Evans but further missed opportunities and corners from Bush came to nothing and St Anselms scored a third again against the run of play! 3-1. Unreal but thats how it works when you don't take your chances.

In the 2nd game we started well and with a new side and re-apperances from Crosby and Shum we had a good shape. A disallowed goal from Evans seemed harsh from a corner but a couple of poor goals conceded in the second half was our downfall, but as the first team game we missed plenty of chances and this again against a side that is not any better than us was the reason for the defeat!

AJM

Year 9 Hockey House Matches Pics

Year 9 House Matches - Thurs 26th Feb

The School Year 9 Hockey house matches were played again down at the Bebington Oval on Thursday 26th February. This was a chance for all of the boys to represent their house and show the progress that these boys have made this year. It again took a little while to set up the pitches, moving the goals, get the goalkeepers ready and all players down at the Oval after Rugby 7's practices but we started on time so we could get the three matches in.

Once ready the three umpires (Bush, Walker & Elias) and myself were able to start proceedings. There was some excellent hockey played with strong performances in the first game from Dodds who ran out winners 3-1 against Barber, Edwards scoring two good goals and McGilloway finishing fortunately from close range after Morris had scored. A late surge from Barber saw Greenall put away his chance into the roof of the net 3-2.

In the game on the other pitch the skills of Wilkinson were back as he scored a hatrick against Lever. But some good defending and good goalkeeping from all four keepers, Graham, Cartwright, Weston then Davidson and Berry!!

In the second round of games there was good chances missed in the Lever and Barber game but Lever came out 3-0 winners with goals from Gouldson and Lamen (2). In the game on the other pitch a close fought 0-0 draw was played out between Hodgson and the ever improving Dodds!

As we went into the final set of matches it was between Dodds and Hodgson for the title, but after a good start from Barber taking the lead through Parsons against Hodgson they were to come back and take the title with goals from Burchill and Wilkinson, 2-1. In a fiercely competitive game between Dodds and Lever it was again a 0-0 draw that was the result, good defending, but at times poor finishing was both teams downfall.

Barber v Dodds 2-3

Morris Edwards (2)

Greenall McGilloway

Hodgson v Lever 3-0

Wilkinson (3)

Barber v Lever 0-3

Gouldson

Lamen (2)

Dodds v Hodgson 0-0

Dodds v Lever 0-0

Barber v Hodgson 1-2

Parsons Burchill

Wilkinson

Overall a very impressive display by the four houses and all of the players, goalkeepers. A special thank you goes again to the umpires and Mr Thomason for setting up and running the games. Well done guys, an enjoyable evening!!

AJM

Wirral v Merchant Taylors (2nd's / U16's)

In the second game of the day, the players of the future and many of our Year 11 side played against a side who had earlier in the season beaten them 12-0.  We started the brighter and from the first corner had a couple of shots and then the final rebound fell to Wright, who on debut scored from close range, 1-0.  We had further chances falling to Spink and Evans who could not finish.  This lead as the half progressed a major mix up between Elias, Crawford and Byrne that left the Merchant's centre forward to finish smartly past a helpless Burgess, 1-1.  This remained the score till half time with good performances from Plimley, Oldham and at times when not hacking Elias and Dennis.

The key to this side is confidence, shape and just playing hockey together, we went behind a the start of the second half following a basic mistake made in the dee, 2-1.  And as tiredness crept into our game mistakes happened especially around our dee, teo became three, until the excellent Wright attacked down the right skipping past three players before the ball was crossed towards Denis who took his time and finished in the bottom left corner.

The last 7 seven minutes saw us make silly errors around our circle and leave poor Burgess exposed to close range shots. The score flattered Merchants, but left our boys knowing that a good shape and structure followed up with confidence and real determination is all this team needs!!  The final score as 6-2, but a man of the match debut from Wright showed me this side have some real promise!

AJM

Wirral GS v Merchant Taylors School (Oval)

Wirral 1st XI 6-0 Merchant Taylors 

Wirral 2nd / U16's 2-6 Merchant Taylors

Wirral 1st / 2nds v Merchant Taylors (Oval)

On a very sandy pitch as you can see by the picture we set up at home for two fixtures against Merchant Taylor's School from Crosby.  On the back of a very good solid performance away at Kings Chester we all arrived at the Oval before two prepared for the game.  With the 1st team staying the same after the committed Harvey returning from Leeds to captain the side we started well.  We kept a good shape and started moving the ball well on the beach like facilities.  This lead to us carving out chances in the first five minutes.  That fell to Hankie and the less said the better.  But it was encouraging and as the half developed we had some good solid work from Gawith, Bush and an excellent link up between Evans and Frank lead to a smart turn and close finish by Lyness.  Once in front we have been susceptible to conceding, but the sturdy back four of Walker, Eastwood, Harvey and Gawith and Frank held firm, often covering for each other making Smithy's life a lot easier.

Some very good interplay saw Lyness double the lead in a very similar position down the left after good work from the improving Rid!!  We have just now started to see what confidence, control and simple hockey can do.  We continued to defend well getting in front of men and the best move of the game saw Steadman set a very quick Lyness away down the right who crossed accuratly for Evans to finish smartly, 3-0.  Merchants still looked to impose thmselves, but the hustle and bustle of Taylor and the good work by Bush and Lyness was causing havoc on the break.

As we started the second half the confident Rid cut inside and V dragged out beating his man twice and playing some neat hockey with Bush.  This lead to our forth from a corner that broke down but Bush was quickest to react and score from an acute angle on the left, 4-0.  The fifth came to the excellent Harvey who had advanced forward and finished from close range to add to his tally for the season. But to rub salt into the wounds against a Merchants side that beat us earlier in the season, Bush scored a sixth beating the keeper at the near post.  In truth we could have scored more had it not been for Davies lifting his stick and Rid using his back stick among other chances.  

An excellent performance from players who have worked very hard this season, and now have learnt how to play effectively together and win!!

Well done!

AJM

Half Term

I hope that all players have a good half term, stay fit and be ready to go for the last 6 weeks of the season when you get back.

AJM

Wirral v Kings Chester Pics (2-1)

Goals scored by J. Evans and K. Riddiough.

AJM

Wirral 1st Team v Kings Chester

In our first fixture of the year against Kings Chester, who are the North West regional winners, we started very well after a good warm up.  On a wet day it made a very good looking pitch play well.  The first five minutes saw a great chance fall at the feet of Davies who didn't connect well enough and his shot was saved.  His replacement after 8 minutes was Lyness who linked up superbly with Evans to play a great one two together around the Kings defence and score one of my contenders for team goal of the season in which Evans slotted his shot into the right corner,

1-0.

As the half went on the Kings side came into the game, but with excellent organisation from Harvey and Frank the Wirral team defended well getting in front of their men and in possession of the ball making good passes.  Excellent battling games from Eastwood and Taylor enabled us to create chances through the skills of Bush and Riddiough predominantly down the right.  As changes were made throughout the game the quality of hockey was maintained and Crawford who replaced Walker stopped on the line from the Kings short corner! Only to put the ball back into the mixer for the Kings player to fire a powerful reverse stick shot above Smith and into the roof!

As the second half progressed we kept breaking forward and with some neat hockey down the left between the ever improving Gawith, who linked well with Bush the ball made its way across the dee off the keeper and to Riddiough who scored with an excellent reverse stick shot into the net!  'Happy days'  There were many very good performances from this great team.  The main thing that impressed me was the fact that we played some excellent hockey that was superbly organised on the pitch by the engines of the team Harvey, Frank and Taylor!

Well done guys, beating a Kings Chester side who are through to a North West final is an brilliant achievement and shows what progress and potential this side has when you put it all together!!

AJM

Wirral U14 v Neston HS - League

In a tightly fought game at the Neston Rec a slightly altered team started well against Neston.  With good driving runs from Wilkinson, Lewin Lamen and Roberts chances fell to Gouldson, but to no avail.  As the half progressed we had further chances that fell to Roberts and Lamen.  Our key strength was the ability to get low and defending well from the back.  The outstanding Corcoran and McGilloway were complemented in defence by the ever improving Deakin and Clegg, on full debut at left back.  I was please with the first half performance but we just had to press home our possession and take our chances,

It took until the last couple of minutes for Wilkinson to drive inside and strike a reverse stick shot powerfully for Roberts to deflect well into the corner of the goal, 1-0.  Brilliant again fellas, well done.  This was another example of positive hockey, good effort and work rate from the whole squad!

AJM

U16's v St Anselms

In a highly competitive game down at the Oval the U16 team set out to gain revenge against St Anselms.  These matches are usually close and with a slightly disrupted side we saw Tom Smith make his school team debut in goal.  In a tight first half St Anselms took the lead but the hardest part of the first half saw Clegg caught in a challenge by a Saints shoulder following a Dennis foul. This ended Cleggs game and a trip to hospital resulting in a broken nose in four places!!   As the second half started Saints doubled their lead but some good attacking hockey saw Wirral get back into the game through a well struck Dutton corner, 2-1.

But St Anselms again scored and took a two goal lead only to see Farrington  score a definite goal of the season contender, with a great lob to bring the score back to 3-2.  But we could not seem to take our chances and the St Anselms team further added to their lead to 4-2 until Dennis smashed in from the edge of the circle, but as Mr Thomason said, man of the match must go to Tom Smith on debut who played in goal with two left handed gloves and without a good quality chest pad.  

The 4-3 result with a slightly altered side and full debuts for Shenck and Smith and recalls for Turner was a real positive and considering that we struggled in our last fixture against Saints we have progressed well this year.   Well done guys.  Have a good half term break and you guys have a game at home on the first Wed back against Merchant Taylors.

AJM

Training

Due to the poor weather training was cancelled on Thursday 5th Feb.

Denstone College game (U15 & U14)

On Wed 4th Feb our annual fixtures against Denstone College come around and our trip down to Denstone this year only just happened.  It was not due to anything human we could really have done just the freak weather that sweeped the UK, bringing SNOW!!

On speaking to Rod at Denstone on the morning of the game he said they were doing there damnedest to get the games on and so we ventured down towards Stoke with the U15 and U14 teams.  On arrival I thought we had no chance as there was snow everywhere.  But to my amazement the old pitch had been totally cleared!! Game on! 

The U14 's were on first and we started well moving the ball around well against a large and physical side.  Whatever they feed their boys they have their affect.  They put themselves about.  But our skills and strength on the ball and simple hockey helped us to carve opening and we took and early lead through Roberts who stabbed home a goal from close range.  Once ahead we struggled to front mark and often left their centre forward unmarked leading to chances for Denstone.  It meant that Graham was the busier of the two keepers, but doing a very good job.

As the second half started we started to make good progress down the right with Wilkinson, Lamen and Lewin creating opportunities for Gouners and Roberts but to no avail.  As we looked for a second goal we gained some good corners and we doubled and then tripled our lead through two Wilkinson reverse stick shots, 3-0.  The exit the of Wilkinson saw Denstone score a consolation from a short corner to leave us with a good 3-1 victory.  Well done boys!!

The U15 team started solidly and looked confident moving the ball around, this team has made a lot of progress over the last 3 months and some players are making their mark.  The illustrious Dutton lead the way with 2 stunning solo goals and with Hodgson adding with a close range effort after a melly in the dee we were always ahead.  But as we missed further chances the strong and competitive Denstone team kept pegging us back.  Overall I think we deserved our 3-2 win.  Well done fellas, special mention should also go to the ever improving Broom and Cheung as well as Dutton's two excellent goals!

Games against Denstone College

The games on Wed 4th of Feb should have seen us play the 1st and 2nd teams at the Oval, but they have been abandoned due to the poor weather and facilities at the Bebington Oval.  

The junior sides the U14 and U15's are still on and playing away at Denstone College, we are leaving school at break.  All players to meet at the Gym changing room.

AJM

Thurs 29th Jan v St Anselms

In a good very competitive game the mixed under U15 with some U16 player played down at the Oval.  With a debut for Wirral GS of Wright, we started well with good passing a solid performances from Evans, Broom and Hayat, with the effervescent Dutton looking to link the play with the attackers we looked strong.  But it was as the first half went on that we were unable to convert good chances and short corners (6) to any effect!!  Something to work on!!

An error by Evans lifting a ball saw the St Anselm's have a quickly taken free hit that was struck home from close range.  As the game progressed St Anselm's enhanced their lead only for Wirral to fight back with a good neat finish from McCann and from a good well worked corner in the second half Clegg finished with aplomb from 5 yards.  This brought the scores back to 2-2 a good performance and a commendable performance that saw Wright make his debut and 17 players play on Thurs evening. 

This group of players certainly have a lot of potential and the more games they play the better they will become!  Well done again lads.

AJM

Wed v St Anselms (1st & 2nd team)

On a cool day down at the Oval the 1st team were playing first against as always a highly competitive game.  The first ten minutes saw the Wirral back four moving the ball around the back well but as the ball went back into midfield we struggled to keep possession this meant that the St Anselms team were able to press.  In the usual end to end games we have against Saints, we had chances for Evans and Plimley.  The team went behind to again another poor goal due to silly errors.  The St Anselms lead was doubled in the second half as we looked to get back into the game.

The major loss in the second half was that of Harvey who twisted his knee as he was caught on the knee by the ball. This was a big loss and we struggled to take the chances that were created in the second half, 2-0 loss!!

The second team played a good solid game creating opportunities but as chances went begging the St Anselms team scored on the break.  This was a shame as Burgess had made some good saves and the game had been quite even.  There is definate progress being made and good performances from Byrne, Spink, Shum and Eastwood.  Well Done guys

AJM

Training

We had a good attendance at the Bebington Oval on Tuesday with a good first team attendance and a small select U14 group down preparing for the games against St Anselms this week.

AJM

Wirral U15's v U16's

In the match of the teams of the future an Thurs evening at the Oval the two teams were well represented and set up.  Both teams played a positive attacking style of hockey, moving the ball on quickly, defending well and created opportunities for their respective forwards.  If felt that both Evans and Broom for the Year 10s had great games getting the ball and distributing it and that with the power and tenacity of Dutton, Cheung, Partington and Hayat looking to feel the likes of Spink and Quareshi.  We had a game on our hands the combined skills of Oldham, Eastwood, Dennis, Ollerhead and the link play between Edge and Farrington meant chances and opportunities would always come about!!

The good hockey played saw a dubious corner given to the Year 11's toward the end of the first half that was duly dispatched by the clinical McCann!  And at half time there were little things to work on.  The 10's started well and equaliser through the forward thinking and close finish by Cheung, 1-1.  As the half progressed both sides could have scored, but with four minutes to go Eastwood dispatched a corner past O'Connell, 2-1.  Despite other opportunities for both sides, especially Edge the scores remained the same!!

Well done guys, some excellent stuff!!

AJM

Wirral XI v Reaseheath College

On a bitterly cold afternoon down at the Oval, the first team squad all got back into action following the Xmas brea, exams, interviews, injuries and illness.  It was the first time for about 6 weeks they had played together.  Reaseheath arrived ready to play with ten players and with their new addition Jay Elias and Phil Taylor in the second half we had a good game.  The Reaseheath side possessed considerable pace and skill at times.

It was good to see though that a patient build up and good passing opened up their defense for Lyness to score the opening goal past a hapless goalkeeper.  That lead was doubled just before half time. It was not until their start player who roamed from centre back with pace out shone past our defense and slotted past Smith, 2-1 at half time.

As we started the second half chance after chance fell to the forwards especially Spink, Evans and Plimley all missing from close range.  It was down to Davies who scored two and another from Spink to complete the victory of 5-2.  Although I am sure Mr Shum will be wearing shin pads after the shot that hit the post from the short corner in the second half!!

Well done fellas, St Anselms at home next week for the 1st and 2nd teams. 2.00 and 3.15 starts.

AJM

Tues 20th Training

On Tues we saw both the First team and the U14 teams down training.  They worked on different forms of passing and then application to a shooting drill.  This was then developed into forms of posting up and developed for the first team into support play from the right and left.  The players worked hard and finished on both halves of the pitch with small sided games.

Thank you to all who attended.

On Wed we play Reaseheath College at the Oval 2.15 start.

AJM

U14 North West Semi Final v Lakes School

On Monday 19th Jan the Year 9 team set out on there long journey up to Cumbria.  The 2 hour journey was the first milestone to get over.  The boys were all looking forward to the game against the Cumbrian champions and the away trip.  On arrival we saw their good looking pitch which would be great to have ourselves and warmed up and prepared for the game.

As the game started it was clear that the Lakes School had some strong, quick players who had played plenty of hockey.  They took an early lead and in the first 15 minutes dominated the play as we struggled to make simple passes.  We were 3-0 down as half time came around and with only one chance for Robert's to score from.  A real eye opener!!  

But determination was the key and the work ethic that has got us so far appeared in the second half and with that plenty of chances.  What if's as Sutton, Gouldson, Wilkinson, Lewin and Robert's all had great chances to get us back in the game.  With us on the offensive it left this strong Lakes School side with opportunities at the other end and they took two further chances in the second half to take the score to 5-0.

A real shame overall, but a great experience and achievement from the lads!!

Well done fellas

AJM

Wednesday v Kings Macc

A very inexperienced side headed to Kings Macc due to the number of lads having exams, illness or injury.  This lead us to only having 4 sixth formers!!  This was always going to be difficult against a strong Kings side.  In the main the team competed well and played some tidy hockey but it was in both final thirds that we struggled.  There were first team debuts for Farrington, Edge, Dutton and Wilkinson.  They did themselves proud with Dutton probably man of the match.  The 7-0 score line was not all negative.  This team is the future and that future looks positive.

AJM

Training

After a staff training session on Tuesday we had a coached game between two closely matched teams the Year 9 and 10 teams.  The game was played at a good pace with the Year 10 team passing the ball around effectively thus leading to scoring opportunities.  They opened the scoring through Qureshi from close range following some ping pong with Cartwright.  In reply the Year 9 team attacked on the break with purpose and created their own opportunities only to be thwarted by O'Connell.  As the game drew to a close the Year 9 team won a corner which Wilkinson dispatched to leave the score at 1-1.

A good game and one that saw some new faces playing the game.

AJM

The Winning Team

And a very happy Mr Cooper!!

Cup Final Pictures

Wirral U14 Cup Winners!!

Well Done and congratulations to the Wirral Year 9 team in their final played at Calday Grange.  On a windy cold morning at Calday, the Wirral boys turned up in changing room 4 in anticipation of the game ahead, except Parso. But the vice captain arrived well in time for the warm up!  We had a good warm up with everyone prepared for the big occasion.  A good crowd had come to support the boys and were vocal from the side hoping we could do this business.

We started superbly and within this first two minutes we were passing the ball to each other and attacking the Calday Dee.  As we progressed down the right with Crane and Lamen the ball was played across the Dee for Roberts to finish smartly from about 6 yards out.  The perfect start!!  We continued to press and we were beginning to dominate the first half, some solid work from McGilloway saw us continue to attack the circle.  We won a couple of corners that really just needed touches from close range.  But another short corner came about and Wilkinson shot on his reverse stick and the ball made it's way into the far corner, amazingly 2-0.  This was definitely going to be our day as Calday had a break away chance which saw them have a reverse stick shot that came off the underside of the bar, with Parsons clearing with Dobson to the side of the pitch.  The next attack saw the ball played from Wilkinson up to a battling Gouldson who turned and fed Roberts, who then had a Thierry Henry like chance and finished the one on one with the goalkeeper with aplomb!  We were in dream land but as the half progressed we just kept going at the Calday team and further chances, especially for Lewin and opportunities from corners for Wilkinson and Crane.  It was quite possibly the best half of hockey I have ever seen at Wirral Grammar School.

What to say at half time was the question, but more of the same was in order.  Cartwright made way for Graham after not having much to do, but Graham didn't touch the ball in the second half as we worked hard in defence.  There were other opportunities for Gouldson as we maintained our dominance of the game.  The effort levels were fantastic and with every player playing their part it showed what hard work over the last four weeks can do!  We were deserved of our 3-0 win and we will now have the semi final of the north west region against a Cumbrian school for a place in the final against the Lancashire or Cheshire winners.

There is plenty more to come from these fellas, well done to everyone involved,  Mr Cooper, Mr Thomason and all of the parents and supporters.  I will keep you informed of the next game and of our progress.

AJM

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all Hockey players and beyond.  I hope that 2009 is a successful year starting with the U14 Wirral Cup Final on Sunday 11th January at Calday Grange, 10.00 am.

I hope you have enjoyed your two weeks off and are raring to go for the second half of the season.

AJM