Romsey B had a spectacular morning, winning all their 6 matches without conceding a single goal.
The team were on the attack from the start of the first game against New Forest B and were comfortable 4-0 winners, with goals from Zach and Charlie. The second game was equally impressive, with excellent passing in midfield from Evie and Imogen helping set up goals for Henry and Charlie in a 3-0 win. Match three again saw Henry and Charlie scoring the goals in another comfortable 4-0 win.
The fourth match against Southampton B proved rather tougher, with a late goal from Oscar sealing the win after some resolute defence from Rosie and Anna. The final two matches were comfortable again for Romsey, as they defeated Winchester B 4-0 and Trojans A 5-0 with goals from Henry, Oscar, Zach & Charlie.
A great performance from the whole team and Romsey remain undefeated this season!
U12Bs draw against Southampton
After a shy start, the Romsey boys started to communicate and spread out on the pitch and we got to see some really great hockey. Southampton scored 1-0, 10 min into the game. In the 2nd part we saw Henry scoring two goals, one of a short corner from Rowan and the second assisted by Jake and Milo. The third part saw some lovely saves by Lewie but also another goal where he was alone against two Southampton players. Tom was voted “player of the match” in our team but I think it is important to say that all boys worked hard and deserved a “well done clap”. Thank you to Tom for umpiring and to Lisa for coaching.
U10 Girls boss it at home festival
It was Romsey Hockey club’s turn to host the latest mini festival of the season on a relatively warm and dry December morning. Romsey A team consisted of eight girls and played six matches against mixed teams continuing their impressive run of form.
The first match was against Southampton A and Romsey showed they were hungry for the ball right from the off with some fantastic passing which enabled them to keep possession for long periods of the game. Clara and Anna were excellent in defence tackling well and Daisy made a number of key saves in goal. The midfield trio of Caitlin, Maya and Elsie linked up well creating some excellent chances for Grace who was up front and on fire, scoring an incredible four goals with the match ending with a 4-0 win for Romsey.
The second match was against Andover A and the confident play continued. Elsie and Maya on the wing were both excellent at sticking to their positions helping Romsey use the full width of the pitch resulting in fantastic crosses across goal. Sophie and Clara worked well together in defence not conceding any goals. After a lot of Romsey pressure, Caitlin scored a hat–trick followed by another goal from Grace with the match ending with a 4-0 win to Romsey.
The next match was against Salisbury A and this was another strong performance from Romsey. Daisy was excellent at coming off her goal line to clear the ball with Clara and Sophie continuing to link up well in defence. Elsie and Maya hit some fantastic crosses across goal for Grace and Caitlin to convert. Caitlin scored another hat–trick with one of the goals getting a lucky deflection off a Salisbury player. Grace also scored after some fantastic individual dribbling past two Salisbury players. The match ended with a 4-0 win to Romsey.
The fourth match was against New Forest A and we knew this would be the most difficult match so far. Sophie took on the role of goalkeeper and made a number of fantastic saves. Romsey scored first and New Forest were quick to react to going one goal down and scored quickly in reply. This was a great test for Romsey A and they did not let their heads go down after conceding. Elsie made a quick run down the wing and struck the ball hard to go in the bottom right hand corner of goal. Romsey help on showing great composure on the ball.
Romsey A played Winchester A in their penultimatematch finishing with a 3–1 win to Romsey. Daisy was strong in midfield and made some timely tackles to gain back possession. Anna and Clara were pivotal in defence timing their runs well to clear the ball. Maya made a number of timely runs down the right wing and supplied a number of great crosses creating some excellent scoring opportunities with Grace, Elsie and Caitlin all converting into goals.
The final match was against Winchester B. The majority of the match was played in front of the Winchester goal with Romsey having numerous goal scoring opportunities with a lot of chances going narrowly wide of goal. Romsey were persistent and in the end their determination paid off scoring two late goals to end the match with a 2-0 win.
Six matches played and a win in each match saw Romsey remain unbeaten in all tournaments this season with yet another display of what can only be described as sensational hockey. Well played Grace, Daisy, Elsie, Maya, Anna, Sophie, Clara and Caitlin for working so well as a team throughout the whole tournament.
Fabulous Ladies Fours – a new favourite tea
The Fabulous Fours friendly spirit was on full display for Saturday’s match again newcomers Poole 2, who tipped the scales as Romsey’s new favourite opposition. Although the Fab Fours lost 4-0, importantly i) it was less than they anticipated losing by, ii) it was a fantastic fun game and iii) in their hearts (if not on the score sheet) they were winners!
The Fab Fours were supported by their diehard fans – the Fourquettes, sporting yellow and blue balloons. Captain Coops made a tactical decision to play a 5:5 formation with feisty Field, outstanding O’Hara, fleet footed French, capable Coops and maverick Marino’s (senior & junior) as the defensive line, supported by the mighty Manners in goal. The brilliant Berendsen (duo), wiley Wisey, pivotal Procter, warrior Widdowson and fiendish Farquharson were the forward line, who demonstrated some blinding ball skillswhich saw Poole fighting to retain control of the ball.
Poole forced several short corners which were ably defended with no goals conceded. They had several lucky moments converting scrappy balls into goals. A tense moment saw mighty Manners defending a flick goal from the p spot; remarkably she held her ground and batted the ball with courage and confidence. It was like we had won a World Cup, with the team and the fourquettes going wild.
The Fab Fours put Poole under unexpected pressure breaking through their defensive line with some impressive running from pivotal Procter, warrior Widdowson, fiendish Farquharson and brilliant Berenedsen (junior). Farquharsonand warrior Wiidowson forced a couple of errors from the Poole side resulting in three short corners from which they were unlucky not to score goals. Poole in return managed to get the ball out of the D only to be held up by capable Coops and maverick Marino (junior). Feisty Field was on top form in her new domain as queen of defence owning clearance from the danger zone. They were some marvellous intercepts and frustrations for Poole by O’Hara, Wisey and Berendesen (senior). The 2nd half saw a number of injuries for the Fab Fours with a strange disposition taking over the team with O’Hara, Wisey, Berendesen (senior & junior) taking tumbles, resulting in the last 10 minutes of the game with the Fab Fours being reduced to 10 players on pitch.
Although the Fab Four’s ultimately lost this week’s game they were on a high. It was an enormously satisfying game, fairly played against a delightful opposition. And in the words of Yoda “Patience you must have, my young Fabulous Fours”our time for victory will come again.
U14Bs thriller at South Wilts!
Romsey U14 Boys – Sunday, 1st December 2019
Salisbury 8 Romsey 5
This was an entertaining end to end game.
Salisbury had the early chances but Jo in goal denied them with two reflex saves in quick succession. Romsey’s counter attack started with Toby finding Lorne who raced into the Salisbury half beating two players before thumping the ball into the box. The unmarked Jack M stepped forward and struck a fierce drive into the net. Romsey then took control with Luke, Jack S and Will commanding midfield which led to a neat move by Freddie and Rupert down the left finding Jack M who side stepped a defender and struck goal ward. The keeper made a great block but Jack J quickly reacted to net the rebound. Salisbury were still having success and scored twice making it 4 – 2.
From the start of the second half, the defence were tested by a slick Salisbury attack but Owen, Daniel, Ollie and Thomas stood firm until a ball, played into the box, appeared to strike a forward’s foot, Romsey hesitated and the forward scored.
This spurred Romsey back into attack, Harry finding Luke who dribbled past two defenders, before neatly lifting the ball high past the keeper.
Salisbury then scored twice in quick succession against the run of play but Romsey were not for giving up.
Jack S and Will passed from midfield before feeding Lorne on the edge of the D. He dribbled past 3 defenders, his shot was blocked but he reacted first and smashed it home. Salisbury made it 8 and, from the restart, a long pass out of defence from Luke was controlled and played forward in one movement by Jack M. He outpaced the defence and coolly placed it past the advancing keeper.
Romsey then pushed for a result and camped in the Salisbury half. Rupert, Jack S, Lorne and Jack M all had excellent efforts blocked or saved, before Romsey ran out of time.
L4s, Fabulous Fours – a wonderful win
Saturday’s match against Romsey’s favourite opposition (Portsmouth) saw only “the best of times”, contrasting last weeks’ battle, with a well-deserved win of 4-0.
Romsey dominated the game throughout making easy pickings of Portsmouth defensive line with some wonderful play from Grout, Berendsen (Junior) and French (Junior), with some fabulous partnerships. Graceful Grout scored the first goal with an effortless sweep from the top of the D. The 2ndgoal followed shortly from warrior Widdowson, demonstrating some fancy reverse stick hits. Pivotal Procter helped set up goals 3 and 4 ably scored by Awesome Adams (one). Athletic Adams (two) had several serendipitous shots at goal, missing by a whisper.
When Portsmouth were able to break through the Romsey attacking line, they made fast work towards Romsey’s defence – but found the wall of yellow difficult to counter. Tenacious defensive play came from capable Coops, wily Wisey and outstanding O’Hara. Brilliant Berendsen (Senior) had some epic moments, put Portsmouth players under pressing channelling them down the wing. Forward Field took a turn at a new defensive position and found her calling with some outstanding shadowing and hefty hits from the 16.
As always, the goal was covered by the very adept Andrews – who defended with her usual grit and gumption. Player of the match was warrior Widdowson for her fabulous first league match goal.
The Fab Four’s ended this week’s game on a high and in the words of Babe Ruth “Remember ladies, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered but legends (Fab Fours) never die, follow your heart ladies, and you’ll never go wrong.”
L3s, Fearsome Frees – at freezing Farnham
The Fearsome Frees (3s) travelled to a freezing Farnham to play Aldershot & Farnham. The chilly game got off to a flying start with magic Mason, marvellous Morgan, legendary Loran and gifted Gladstone breaking through “Shots” defensive line to have several valiant attempts at a goal.
“Shots” were a well organised side, with a fast forward attack. Romsey defence held strong, supported by clever Cox, magnificent Marino (Junior) and hardy Harding. Harding was responsible for consistently hoofing the ball to the other end of the pitch, which was then expertly picked up by gifted Gladstone, wonderful Woods and magic Mason. Unfortunately during the first half of the match “Shots” had two lucky goals from an opportunistic player on the back post.
At half time the Fearsome Frees were undeterred and came out fighting with some frenetic intercepts from happnin’ Herbet, wonderful Wood and legendary Loran – passing to marvellous Morgan on the wing who was able to run the ball towards the “Shots” goal. Mason and Wood had some great play together and gifted Gladstone had several more shots at goal.
Awesome Andrews was player of the match stopping at least another twenty goals from being conceded. Her fearless form saw her batting the ball and running out of goal to kick it clear. Magnificent Marino (Junior) shadowed a player from one side of the pitch to the other frustrating her attempt to get in the D. Clever Cox cleared the ball from the D, ably supported by Harding and Wood.
Although the Fearsome Frees fought hard at full time the score was 6-0 with four goals in quick succession during the 2nd half. Despite this week’s loss– they played with heart, determination and grit…… “To play the game is good, To win is better, But to love the game is best of all” Anon – next week is a new opportunity to be fearsome and fantastic again!
Clinical M4s Hold Off Trojans
Romsey Mens 4s played Trojans at home in the late push back at 4pm on Saturday the 30th of November.
The match started under floodlights and at about 5 degrees Celsius. Romsey started briskly and were quick to get the ball moving up the pitch, attackers Dan B and Mike P were using the full width of the pitch to good effect.
The space they were creating gave room for Gorden F, Tom W and Noah C to run into and put immediate pressure on the Trojans defence.
It was not long before the speed of attacks and pressure told, Tom W broke into the D and calmly slotted the ball home. 1-0!
Romsey still had to be assured at the back and a solid start from Nick C, Pete O, Simeon F and Lukasz S gave Romsey confidence to build from the defence.
Half way through the half Romsey were awarded a short corner and Noah C found Tom W with a strong Hit which Tom cleverly deflected past the Trojan keeper at close quarters giving him no chance.
2-0!
Romsey were now starting to purr, great midfield inter play from Andy M, Phil O and Freddie O had Trojans at sixes and sevens. Debutante Ian A, now up front almost scored with the ball agonisingly stopped on the line by a Trojans player.
The 3rd goal soon came though , Nick C played the ball out from the 16 to Pete O who fed it down the line, Andy M picked it up and fed the ball over to Mike P who saw Dan B in the clear and slotted a well weighted pass to him and Dan did the rest with a cool finish in the corner 3-0! Great team goal!
Half time came with Romsey well on top. The second half started and after a few minutes you could see it was a tighter game and Trjoans had clearly had a stern team talk.
Romsey conceded ground and were having to defend far more and midfielders Rob Cav and Gordon F were having to drop back to help the defence. Ollie O was forced into a string of important saves but could not stop Trojans scoring twice inside ten minutes.
Trojans tails were up and Romsey were flustered. It took a few minutes for them to regain their composure and get back to the pass and move game which had been working so well. When they did they took their chance again with Trojans pushing for the equaliser a quick break saw Mike P at the edge of the D pick out a well timed run from Tom W who made no mistake for number 4 and his hatrick!
With only minutes left Trojans knew the game was up and Romsey finished the match worthy winners. 4-2
Man of Match – Ollie O – important second half saves.
Fabulous Ladies Fours a tale of two halves
Saturday’s match against Romsey’s nemesis Trojans was a tale of two halves. As in the words of Charles Dickens “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom……”
The first half was defined by a frustrated Trojans, who although on the attack were unable to break through the determined defensive line of Marino (Junior), clever Cox, Jones, Wise(y) and O’Hara. Trojans had the benefit of a number of short corners, but Goalie Procter demonstrated her usual tenacious spirit and courageous goal coverage kicking and batting several fast balls out of the D, with clever Cox and Marino (Junior) on hand to belt the ball out of danger. Wonderful Wisey, joyful Jones and outstanding O’Hara had some marvellous intercepts, vexing the attacking side.
Captain Cooper (Coops) supported the midfield exasperating Trojans’ attack with some nifty turns and drag Vs, winning the ball on more than one occasion. Whiplike Widdowson showed her usual gumption with some swift midfield runs, putting Trojans under pressure. Fantastic Field and amazing Adams had a perfect partnership with flying attacking runs, supported by brilliant Budge and magic Mason. Patient Procter (senior) had the opportunity to goal hang and nearly swiped the ball into the Trojans goal on a couple of occasions.
At half time, neither side had conceded a goal. And then Winter came…. Trojans dominated the 2nd half with 4 goals in quick succession. Romsey valiantly battled on – but another win evaded them. Marino (Junior) was player of the match for her determination to keep the Trojans “White Walkers” at bay!
U8s big squad delivers big time!
Under 8s Southampton Tournament – Sunday 17th November
The last match report concluded with “If all players are available for the next tournament, it will be a strong squad to select from”. And a strong, large squad it certainly was – 11 strong giving the coaches a challenge to give all players a fair opportunity.
We opened against Andover in a game which we thoroughly dominated, but unfortunately failed to score. Both teams had large squads so fielded 8 players instead of the usual 7 and we struggled to find space to go around their defence. Our defence easily dealt with any clearances or opposition attacks so the ball never got into our half. This continued throughout the morning with Emma, William and Lawrence generally playing that role. 0-0, a solid if frustrating start.
Next up were Salisbury A who succumbed to an improved performance from Romsey. Cherry was tackling hard and controlling midfield, leading to Grace taking a pass near the goal, controlling it well before getting her feet around and slotting the ball into the goal. A 1-0 lead. Then Olivia followed up with a ruthless finish to another cross. An excellent 2-0 win.
After a long break, Grace was again on the scoresheet against New Forest A. With Gulliver and Jake’s help in midfield, Hamish was beginning to show-off his skills. Hunter, just days after his 5th birthday, was also getting involved tackling and carrying the ball forward. In the end the dominance and pressure told and Hamish escaped to score a good goal which gave Romsey a 2-0 lead at the end of the match.
Bournemouth were the next opposition. We had failed to score against them in the previous tournament as they were impressively strong in defence. A quickly taken free-hit by Hamish took them by surprise and Noah reacted well to score. Final score – 1-0, a good result against tough opposition.
The later games in the schedule are normally affected by tiredness, but the strength and fresh legs in this big squad meant Romsey were just getting started! Southampton were the unfortunate opposition as easily won 4-0. Grace picked off her third goal of the tournament whilst Noah really woke up with 2 more goals. However Lawrence made the most impressive impact as a substitute and released from defence into midfield was able to show his ability. Immediately after coming on he tackled, took the ball up to the edge of the D and finished strongly to score his first goal for the Club.
The final game started almost 3 hours after the first, but the players put in another completely dominant display. Noah showed real improvement in movement and anticipation as he ran onto plenty of passes from Hamish to add two more goals to his impressive morning’s work (5 in total). Not to be outdone, Hamish also finished his contribution with a lifted reverse stick shot to impress the crowd, although he was disappointed it didn’t quite make the top corner – keep on practising!
With the defence rarely involved and a large squad it was difficult to get all players involved resulting in two coaches being far more tired (mentally) than the players. Although the players dealt with the substitutions and lack of game time well – maybe we’ll select a smaller squad for the next one in Romsey on the 8th December!