Oundle’s U18 hockey team recently participated in the Midlands Tournament at Rugby School.
Matches were 15 minutes each way with a 5 minute half time. Each team had 3 pool matches followed by the knock out stages.
Oundle’s first match of the pool matches was against Bromsgrove – a strong side with some good individual players. During this match Oundle’s defence made some impressive tackles and did not allow Bromsgrove into the D. The midfield of Livvie Hodgkinson (17), Frankie Hall (16) and Alice Luxmoore Styles (17) distributed the ball well and this gave the forwards opportunities in the D. There was no score at half time but not long after Oundle were awarded with a short corner in which Meg Turner (17) hit the ball for Holly Rice (17) to deflect in the corner. The final score was
1-0 to Oundle.
Oundle’s second pool match was against Wrekin. Oundle’s girls displayed some excellent hockey during this game and managed to break down their defence. Holly Rice scored 2 impressive goals and Honor De Winton (16) scored the third. The final score in this match was 3-0 to Oundle.
The last pool match was against Trent. Trent was a very strong side and Oundle needed to perform well in order to beat them. The match was very tough. Both sides attacked well but Oundle’s defence held strong. Lottie Winnet (16) made some superb saves and prevented Trent from scoring. The girls had several chances on goal but were not successful. This match resulted in a 0-0 draw.
Despite this draw Oundle had finish top of their group and proceeded to the semis against Oakham.
Captain, Georgie Davies (18) commented, “By this stage everyone was very tired but we knew we couldn't drop off if we wanted a chance at the Nationals. During this match both sides demonstrated some good hockey. Our defence of Annie Bolle Jones, Annie Powell (16), Alice and Holly Marks (both 17) and Georgia Sherlock (17) held strong and defended extremely well. Lottie Winnett made some good saves as well that kept us in the games.”
Neither team was able to break the deadlock so at 0:0 the game was taken to flicks after full time. Alice Luxmoore Styles, Meg Turner, Frankie Hall, Livvie Hodgkinson and Honor De Winton stepped forward to take the flicks for Oundle. Oakam went first and Lottie made an excellent save. Alice Luxmoore Styles scored her flick. This was followed by 2 more fantastic saves by Lottie and Meg, Frankie and Livvie all converting their flicks. This meant Oundle would proceed to the final.
The final was against Repton with the winner of this match goes through to nationals and the runner up proceeding to a national play off.
Georgie concluded, “Everyone was exhausted by this stage but determined to put all their last efforts in. In the first 10 minutes there were no goals. Our defence continued to tackle well and prevent Repton from scoring. However, not long before half time Repton scored from the top of the D. After half time, Repton scored once more. Oundle battled to the end of the match but unfortunately did not come out on top.”
As a result Oundle proceed to the national play-offs after Christmas.
Head of Hockey, Gareth Terrett commented, “The girls performed at the highest standard against some top class opposition. It is a great statement of their team work that they continue to push themselves until the very end.”