Boys' Hockey Match Reports - Spring Term '23

Thursday 12 Jan - U16A vs Culford
L 1-2
This was a very accomplished performance from a team so early in the season. Against a strong and well-drilled Culford side, Felsted held strong in defence and maintained possession for long periods of the game with particularly good performances from captain Oli P, Theo MI, Gus P, Ben W and goal scorer Ollie K. A tight finish was on the cards when Culford scored their second with 7 minutes to go and despite creating a number of late chances, we couldn’t quite get the ball over the line and force the game into penalty shuffles.

 

Saturday 14 Jan - Vs Forest & Bedford
1st XI vs Forest
After a disrupted week's training it was no surprise the play was a little disjointed to begin with but the boys soon started to make connections and some sweeping attacking play began to open up the Forest defence. Midway through the first half one of these quick counter attacks led to a penalty corner which Ollie H duly dispatched to open up his account for the season. Forest were not without their attacking threat and some solid defensive interventions by Toby S and James N kept the majority of danger at bay. On the odd occasion the defence was breached GK Oly F kept the score line at 1-0 with some quality saves. Shortly before the break, captain Tom S finished off a lovely team move to give Felsted a deserved 2-0 lead. The second half brought about the most positive period of the match with much more clinical finishing bringing about 3 quick goals, including a pin point backhand finish from Oscar D. At 5-0 the boys continued to press but couldn't add to the tally. As the game drew to its conclusion there was time for Forest to score a consolation from a penalty corner but the team can be pleased with a job well done. 

 

2nd XI vs Forest
Superb start by the 2nd XI meant a one goal lead at half time before falling just short at the final whistle. Tom V and Jesse M dominated the midfield with captain Leo B leading from the rear, a pleasing performance by all despite the scoreline and a great springboard for the season.

 

Cromwell Club vs Bedford
When they arrived, Bedford were short of a full squad so, in true Crombies sportsmanship, the team adopted a rolling-sub approach regularly sharing players with the opposition. By final whistle, Crombies had overcome heavy weather and an overindulgence on mince pies to sustain a draw against a more energetic Bedford side. Creditable performances from Louis L (L6) and a strong guest appearance by Maro I (U16) provided a notable contribution to team effort. 

 

U15A vs Forest
A brilliant performance whilst battling the elements on Saturday against Forest School. With a strong defensive effort from the boys, and some brilliant saves from goalie Oliver F, the boys managed to keep the scoreline at a draw for much of the game. The boys managed to sneak the win in the closing minutes of the game with some brilliant team passing to get it up the pitch, but the rest of the match was very evenly contested. Well done to all the players from both teams. Looking forward to similar positive results from the rest of the season. 

 

U14A vs Forest
The team started this season with an impressive win over Forest School. They moved the ball with precision and pace round the back working up and down the wings waiting for an attack. The team were effective when attacking, winning multiple short corners and fouls in the opposition half. These allowed goals to be scored from both open play and set pieces. For the second half, the focus was intensity. The team had the skills to beat the opposition which gave them the opportunity to develop their pace of play and work rate off the ball. The team kept a clean sheet thanks to some late second half saves ending the game with a 5-0 win. Training will continue to focus on intensity and out-working the opposition, whilst developing skills and passing to allow the team to compete with top level teams. 

 

U14B vs Forest
A great start to the campaign for the 14B team against Forest on Saturday. The boys trained well in the week leading to the game and it was clear to see that some of what they had learnt was being shown on the pitch. The defence showed great resilience and held Forest outside of the danger zone. The midfielders worked endlessly to support the defenders and transferred the ball elegantly all over the pitch. The forwards charged into the attack D with one simple aim in their minds, to put the ball in the back of the net. With 2 great team goals, finished off by Amechi A and Oliver A, the game was put to bed and the 3 points were claimed by the mighty B’s. Hopefully the results will be the same at the next game and Felsted can climb the ladder of success in the hockey pitch.