Girls U10s WGC Competition - Match Report

Welwyn hosted the Girls U10s competition last Sunday, at the (very cold) pitches at Hatfield University Sports Village. The competition produced some great matches, and it’s wonderful to see the positive way the Hertford girls they approach their matches, and encourage one another - great team spirit!

Starting with Hertford Tigers, they drew the first match 0-0 with Blueharts - both teams playing a very good standard of passing hockey, with some good defending preventing Hertford from taking the lead. Isabella Earle had a superb hit from the top of the D, saved on the line. Izzy Stewart and Tilly Major played well down the flanks, causing all sorts of trouble with their pace. Ella Gardener and Lucy Wiggetts were solid at the back. On the rare occasion the goalie Robyn Ewing was called upon, she was ready and made some great saves. Having Robyn in goal certainly give the rest of the team confidence.

In the second match, the Hertford Tigers really ‘bared their teeth’ securing a 3-1 win against Harpenden - goals from Elinor Ainsbury, Izzy Stewart and Sophie Duncan. A good team performance and deserved winners!

Hertford Leopards had a bit of a slow start against Royston, losing 2 break-away goals, the Hertford coach (Nick Evans) proved that coaches don’t necessarily make good umpires by missing several kicks of the ball that resulted in Royston’s 3rd goal, which his team didn’t forgive him for missing!! This was followed by a well deserved 1-0 victory over Welwyn garden City following consistent pressure on their goal, and the score could easily have been greater. The final match for the Leopards saw a hard fought 0-0 draw with Broxbourne, with Hertford unlucky not to score after several scrambles in the D.

Last but not least, Hertford Jaguars - who began by doing Press Ups and Sit Ups to get themselves in the right ‘zone’!! This was instigated amongst the girls themselves (not the Coach!) and obviously struck fear into Royston with Hertford running away with a 5-0 victory. It was an outstanding performance with their determination exemplified by Evie Macrae winning a tackle on the edge of the D, sprinting to reach the ball and managing to score whilst crashing into the goalpost! Further goals were scored by Anna Spragg following a skilful run, goals from Esme Wastell, Lydia Brown & Evie with her 2nd goal of the match.

In the second match against Blueharts, Hertford Jaguars peppered the goal relentlessly, but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Blueharts had a ‘proper’ GK which saved them, otherwise Hertford would have won by at least 2-0. In a rare attack by Blueharts, Olivia Whyley made a great saving tackle otherwise they might have been in on goal. Alicia Sharpener & Imogen Palmer showed equal determination in their defending when called into action. The midfield trio of Anna Spragg, Charlotte Head & Evie Macrae controlled the game. Ella Brunner, Esme Wastell and Lydia Brown repeatedly threatening the goal and displayed great energy. Obviously we didn’t play with 9 on the pitch for the entire match!

We thought this was the last match, but then discovered we had reached the Final against the team who won the other half of the draw. This was a welcome surprise for the girls who got very excited. The final was played against Berkhamstead, with an identical story to the match against Blueharts. Hertford dominating but just couldn’t score, the game ending 0 – 0.

Overall, really enjoyable with all the Hertford teams playing some great hockey. Lots of remarks from parents commenting on how well the girls are developing, & the team spirit we have at the club. Thanks to everyone for coming along to support the teams and giving such loud vocal support!