News

Last Sunday the Saints Girls Under 15 year’s hockey squad had, what for many will probably be their last game of the season for this section. This was against Penarth ‘A’ & ‘B’ Teams, played at Whitchurch High School.

For over 25 of the current squad it would also be the last game that they will be eligible to represent the Under 15 year’s team, due to their age, before making their way into the Senior Section of the Club. For the remaining 25 - 30 squad members and for those available and not on school exchange / injured or sick, the games against Penarth was their opportunity to impress their coach,Rebecca Daniels in preparation for next seasons campaign.

The Saints ‘A’ Team took the field first and immediately applied the pressure upon Penarth ‘A’, who were forced to play a substitute goalkeeper, as a result of a late withdrawal. Unfortunately, the early pressure was not converted into goals as the many of the Saints' attempts did not land on target. It took sometime before the goals stopped ‘swinging’ and the Saints' shots became more accurate.

The result of the ‘A’ Team game was 9 -0 to the Saints and although a little one sided, Penarth did contest up until the final whistle. The Saints ‘A’ Team were determined to end the season on a high and did not lose sight of their task. It was a great way to end the season and to say goodbye to the junior section for many of the ‘Senior Girls’, well done and thank you.

The scorers I am informed were Captain, Olivia Moore with two goals, Jade Bolderson with two, Menna Poole with three, SionedHarries and Sara Davies with a goal each.

The ‘B’ Team were next up and with the exception of goalkeeper Sarah WILLIS, all will be available for next season's Girls under 15 yrs, together with four of the girls who played in the ‘A’ Team earlier.

The young Saints battled extremely hard and chased every ball and took the game to Penarth in the early exchanges. A couple of early chances were unfortunately missed and gave Penarth the chance to exert some pressure on the Saints. Both sides were evenly matched and after the game had flowed from one end to the other, Penarth capitalised on a Saints defensive error and scored, making it 0 – 1 to Penarth.

Half-time came after which the Saints continued to force the game. If a goal could have been given for effort the Saints at that stage would have been up by 11 goals to 1. However, it was not to be and the strength of the Penarth Team began to take control and they somehow again found the back of the Saint net, making it 0 - 2 to Penarth. One or two chances came the Saints way, but the final score remained at 0 – 2 to the visitors. Another wonderful effort for all those involved and the coach, Rebecca was extremely proud of all the players who took part in the both fixtures.

A special thanks is also extended, again to Menna Davies for giving up yet another day to umpire the two games along with Jo Westward fresh from a Welsh Hockey team training weekend at Sophia Gardens. Jo is hoping to be included in the Welsh team for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland. We send Jo our best wishes and will be looking out for the team selection and of course the Games to cheer her and Wales on. Thank you both and Kat Hunter for booking our pitches.

I do not intend to steal Rebecca’s thunder as I know that she is looking forward to the Awards Evening, when she will make her assessment of the season, express her gratitude to all her players and supporters and to present the Awards to those who are fortunate to be identified for a ‘special mention’.

I would however, personally like to take this opportunity to thank not just the players, but all the parents / guardians / family members and some pets who have made the sacrifices to support the Girls Under 15 years players throughout the season. Also, for putting up with the numerous messages sent by me and for responses, when requested.

ONE LAST MENTION.

The Awards Evening!!!!!

I have to date ONLY received Seventeen (17) responses, which includes a raffle prize for which we are extremely grateful. I am however, sorry to say this appears at present a poor response, given as mention we have in excess of 50 squad members registered with the section. (It may be that many of you are away with school at the moment) 

PLEASE, PLEASE, Come and Support the evening and respect the amount of work that has been undertaken to organise the event as well making available the playing facilities which has given many a great deal of enjoyment. Thank you all very much.