MATCH REPORT Girls U10s Competition @ Hertford, Sun 5th Feb

Dear all

After the storms that were predicted, Sunday matches were played in nice calm, pleasant (albeit quite cold) conditions, and the girls put in some fantastic performances. There's a lovely spirit amongst the girls, and this was exemplified by Grace Brown who willingly played for Harpenden Cs when they were a person short. Credit goes to Grace for doing this without a lot of fuss and playing all their matches as their star player! Thank you Grace! As this was a Home match, and a couple of other teams pulled out, we were fortunate to be able to select 4 teams which meant everyone got a chance to play. Apart from the A Team, the other teams were a mixture of experience and ability and all teams displayed quality and put in a lot of hard work.

In the first matches of the day, there was a great battle between the Hertford Leopards and Jaguar Teams for supremacy in the Tier 3 competition. The Leopards scored a great goal to go 1-0 up and then protected that scoreline with an incredible goal line stop when it looked a certain goal. Both myself and Matt looked at each other and said 'how did that not go in!?' Anyway, the Leopards held on to win and top the group having won all 4 of their matches without conceding a goal! They started with a 3-0 against Harpenden, then three consecutive 1-0 victories, well done! The Jaguars started with a convincing 4-0 win against Harpenden with some great goals, including one starting with a tackle on the half way line, winning the ball and then running past the Harpenden defenders to score a lovely goal. This was followed with a 0-0 against Royston, which was probably a fair result. The Jaguars were then very unfortunate not to beat Blueharts after peppering their goal for most of the match but it ended 1-1. Lots of competitive matches, and strong performances with the two Hertford teams finishing 1st & 2nd in the group.

In the Tier 2 competition, the Hertford Bobcats had a couple of late call offs due to injury and illness which stretched the squad a bit, and they narrowly lost the 1st match 0-1 against Blueharts. The game could have gone either way. Following a 0-0 against Harpenden, they faced a strong Royston side who had just beaten Blueharts 6-0! Again, a very closely fought match with Hertford narrowly losing 2-1 to a couple of excellent goals following some good wing play by Royston. The Bobcats ended on a high with a much deserved win against WGC 2-1. Royston set the benchmark in this particular round of competition winning all their 4 matches, so watch out next time Royston!

In the Tier 1 competition, Hertford As started with a convincing 4-0 win against Broxbourne, continuing the excellent form they have shown all season sweeping everyone aside. The girls were playing some wonderful hockey and followed this up with an even more convincing 6-0 win against Harpenden! In the usual battle with Blueharts, unfortunately Blueharts managed to win this particular one 2-0 in a closely contested match.

Overall, the Hertford Teams performed well, and contested every game to the max showing great determination. Many of the parents commented on how well the girls are developing so great credit must go to Matt, Nick and Mike for their fantastic training sessions which the girls seem to love!

Next match is at WGC on Sunday February 26th, please remember to update your availability.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

regards

Rob Macrae

Team Manager, Hertford Girls U10s

07786 793315.