Prep Boys' Hockey - Match Reports

Wednesday 6 March U13 V RHS, U12 v New Hall
U13B
The afternoon started with Arnav K selflessly offering to put the goal-keeping kit on for the first time, and step up to support his team mates in goal. Not only did he make some outstanding saves, but also marshalled his defenders with confidence. Due to this, the team were able to score 7 goals, 2 for Thomas C-S, 2 for Espen F and a first ever hat-trick for Bobby S! Tommy P defended solidly, Tom B was electric on the wing and Freddie M controlled the play from midfield. An excellent game boys, displaying teamwork and composure - well done!

U13C
This was a game that got away from us in the last few seconds! We played well throughout the whole match and soaked up quite a lot of pressure before hitting them on the break to take an early lead. They quickly equalised before we went ahead again and we held this lead until the last few minutes of the game. Once again our speed of passing and positional play could have been better but over all a draw would have been a fair result.

U13D
The result is this game was totally overshadowed by the fact that the team managed to score their very first goal of the season! The boys played really well and whilst they ultimately lost the game they never gave up, kept working really hard for each other and produced the goal of the season through a truly team effort! Alfie scored the goal but credit goes to the entire side for their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to not stop playing!

U12A
Without a doubt the most exciting game of the season so far! Felsted stormed out of the gate with excellent hockey and found themselves 1-0 and in control of the game in the early stages. As both teams tired, the game opened up and it was end to end hockey, with New Hall taking a 2-1 lead shortly after the break. Not deterred, the boys got a goal back and looked to press on the advantage. However in the final few minutes, New Hall capitalised on an opportunity to counter attack and pitched a cruel late winner.

Saturday 2 March vs Chigwell
U13A
The crowd of parents were treated to a thriller of a game on an early Saturday morning fixture! Chigwell dominated the first half taking a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes. This spurred on the team and ensured the ball was transferred with more pace, and the wingers profited. 3 goals came from this, in a variety of ways; a short corner rocket from James B, a top of the D firebolt from Alex R, and a delicately lifted finish from Alex M. Every single boy should be commended for their positive drive to get back into this game. The mental side of play and remaining positive has been a real focus for development over the term, and it can now be seen in abundance. A fantastic 3-3 draw was a delight to watch - great effort boys!

U12B
On a wet and cold morning the U12B’s battled hard to keep their hands warm and their enthusiasm high! The boys kept their width brilliantly in attack and defended well with solid block tackles. By playing the ball around the opposition, there was plenty of joy for the wingers, which resulted in a lovely cross by Milo R, and a far post finish from Albert D. There were many short corners to defend and eventually Chigwell came out with a narrow victory. Well worked boys. This week's training should be centred around closing down the ball within the D.

U11A
Having beaten Chigwell in the In2Hockey Tournament earlier in the week the boys were keen to impress that it wasn’t a one off. We chatted about the potential for complacency and how Chigwell will be eager to make amends.

Felsted started the game with purpose, accuracy and brilliant communication. Transferring the ball quickly down the right channel and making good inroads into Chigwell territory. Felsted scored quickly through one of these drives and settled the nerves. The 1-0 lead made the boys comfortable and the whole team worked hard on and off the ball to play the game in the best way possible. Two more goals followed and Felsted finished the half with a 3-0 lead.

There was nothing to change at halftime but only a question mark over whether they could maintain their high standards. Lots of people moved positions at the start of the second half and it created a lull in the scoring momentum. The boys however, did hit their stride again picking up two more goals. One through a left hand side drive and another through a short corner.

The team must be commended on their “team first” mindset where we had 3 or 4 different goal scorers and the quality and patience in their attacking build up play.

U11B
It was a good challenge for the U11B team against Chigwell. Chigwell had a few good players for Felsted to be aware of. Throughout the game there was plenty of opportunities at both ends of the pitch. Chigwell with their bench were able to maintain their flow of attack against the 7 players Felsted had. The boys worked really hard throughout the game and scored a well deserved goal. 

Well done to the boys for their non stop effort throughout the game. 

In2Hockey U13A
What an outstanding morning of hockey, and further experience of tournament play for the boys. Injury and illness played their part in affecting the health of the squad, but nothing could dampen their effort, energy and enthusiasm. 4 matches saw big wins against Southend and Cooper’s Coburn, these games gave the boys a great deal of confidence and showed just how easy hockey can be when you play the ball around the opposition. 2 narrow losses (both 1-0) highlighted the importance of taking our chances and burying short corners when the opportunity presented itself! This will be a focus for training in the coming weeks. The day finished with thoroughly deserved bronze medals - a fantastic reflection of the hard work put in this season. 

In2Hockey U12A
In the recent tournament at Redbridge, the boys put in fantastic performances, winning 3 out of 4 games, securing a 2nd place finish, and advancing to the next round. The team's standout moment came against Chigwell, where they displayed remarkable determination by defending four short corners in succession towards the end of the game. The clinical finishing throughout the tournament was a highlight, underscoring the team's progress in this area. We very much look forward to the next round.

In2Hockey U11A
The boys were really keen to correct the faults from IAPs and get what they believed they deserved. First up they played Chigwell and started slow over the first 6 minutes. Basics evaded us for this period but eventually the team did start to function and bagged themselves a goal. In the second half there was not much to change based on how they finished the first half and so, having maintained their efforts scored two more.

Next up was the final game against New Hall who were yet to win a game. Felsted continued in a similar vein to the Chigwell game and dominated possession and territory but struggled to convert in the D. New Hall defensively were very astute and Felsted found themselves trying to force play down the right hand side. Eventually Felsted plucked up the courage to quickly transfer to the left wing where they made good ground and scored a well worked, team goal. The game felt as if it dragged on and on with Felsted working tirelessly to maintain the lead. Eventually the final whistle did come and the boys deserved a hard earned tournament win. On to Gresham’s and the regionals!

Wednesday 28 February v Bedford Prep
U13A 
This match was a true culmination of all of the areas that the squad have worked on this term. Felsted were entirely in control of this game, showing calmness and composure on the ball. Once again short corners were our downfall! The attacking play could not be faulted, all except the final end product - a goal! It was incredibly pleasing to see the ball played around the back at pace, lead runs off the ball and closing down in tackles with left hand low. This is a performance that, despite the narrow loss, each and every boy can be extremely proud of. Austin S put in a fantastic shift in goal, at one point making a triple save which finished with the last shot being kept out by his head! We continue a busy week of hockey with Chigwell on Saturday, where goals from rebounds and short corners will be the order of the day! 

U13B
It was a very close game for the U13B team, there was some excellent passing play throughout the game and it was lovely to watch from the sideline. The boys defended well and attacked really well throughout the game. The score line was 1-1 for the majority of the game until the last 30 seconds for the game from some excellent passing a lovely back post tap in won Felsted the game. It was a pleasure to watch and coach the boys and I could not fault them for their effort throughout the whole fixture. 

U13C
In the end this was a frustrating performance and very much a game of two halves! In the first half we looked composed and assured, moving the ball well and getting into the right areas of the pitch and a two goal lead at half term was a fair reflection on the game. In the second half we lost our confidence and gave the ball away far too easily, allowing Bedford to not only draw level but score the winning goal in the final minute of the game. Thank you to Daiwik for his guest appearance in goal for us. Let’s move onto next week’s fixture with more purpose!

U13D
Whilst the D’s are still seeking their first win of the season (and to be honest their first goal!) the spirit and determination within the team is a joy to behold! Once again the boys gave their all and worked really hard for one another. We are making progress and I am confident that goal is coming! Thank you to Stanley for his guest appearance in the goal for us.

U12A
Felsted played well in a tough game against Bedford, ending in a 4-0 loss. The team saw improvement in the second half and plans to work on speeding up their play to create more opportunities. Despite the defeat, the match highlighted areas for growth and the team's ongoing progress.

U12B
It was a tough game for the U12B against Bedford but there were some glimpses of some fantastic team play. It was a tight game throughout, either team could have taken the win at the end of the day. Felsted players were taking on feedback and putting it into action straight away which was very pleasing to see. It was unfortunate in the last minute of the game Bedford scored to win the game. 

U12C
Felsted played their best hockey this season. In a very close game both teams traded goals and we clinched the game in the last minute. A great team performance but stand out players were Ralph S and Oscar H, superb interplay between the two of them.

Wednesday 14 February 
U13A v New Hall
This was an excellent game of hockey, in which the team put into practice our aim for the week which was to increase our pace of pass. There was a quick start to the game and the score was quickly 1-1. A miscommunication at the back saw New Hall push ahead on the scoreline and unfortunately Felsted heads dropped for long enough that the opposition could stretch a lead. A half time chat roused the team to be positive going forwards, and this enabled Felsted to play the better hockey, conceding no goals in the second half. From here the boys head into a restful half term with the In2 tournament to look forward to on the first day back. In this we shall be working on the mental side of our game and remaining positive in the face of conceding goals. 

U13B v New Hall
This was a somewhat challenging fixture, one in which our boys conducted themselves impeccably, and represented the school with maturity. Despite having more of the possession and largely playing the better hockey, 2 swift goals put Felsted on the back foot. A strong comeback saw Felsted get a goal back, and they pushed on from here. A last minute equaliser was disallowed by the opposition referee, denying the boys a well deserved draw. All the boys should be commended on their attitude and perseverance in this fixture- excellent work boys!

U13C v New Hall
It was nice to see the boys back to their winning ways this week with a comfortable win over New Hall. We scored some sumptuous goals and in fairness probably should have scored more. We did move the ball with greater pace and accuracy compared with their last game and the only frustration was allowing New Hall to score at all! Thank you again to Tylan for his efforts in goal but well done all the boys for their energy, determination and willingness to work hard for each other.

U13D v New Hall
This was a much improved performance from the boys and whilst we lost the game we improved as we went on and only conceded once in the second half and so nearly scored ourselves! Thank you to Austin for his efforts in goal but I was really pleased with how the boys worked consistently hard throughout the game and tried to execute our game plan. Stick skills and passing at pace will remain our focus for after half term but well done all the boys for their spirit and desire in the game.

U12A v King's Cambridge
In a challenging encounter, Felsted played King's College School, with the latter emerging victorious with an 11-0 win. Despite the scoreline, there were a number of positives, notably their quick ball transfers, showcasing potential for future development. The match served as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement as the team moved into the second half of the term, determined to build on the positives identified during this tough fixture.

U12B v King's Cambridge
Kings showcased their well-drilled prowess, presenting a very tough opposition. Despite the loss, Felsted's midfield stood out for their effective distribution, underlining a key strength in their game. Areas for improvement were identified, particularly in finishing and maintaining composure in the D. However, the highlight for Felsted was the goal scored, a testament to excellent teamwork and individual skill.

U12C v King's Cambridge
A close game but we just got edged out at the final whistle. King's had a bit more team play and we needed to have more structure, particularly in defence

U11C v King's Cambridge
A really solid performance this week from the boys.  They implemented the tactics that we had been working on in training, hitting the ball with more power, using the width of the pitch.  With solid defending and some great attacking play, the boys secured a 2-1 win. Well done to all.

U11D v King's Cambridge
What a game the Felsted boys had.  Great running and stick work and stoic defending and great saves.  The boys played really well with a great attitude scoring five goals and conceding none!

U10B v King's Cambridge
Congrats to the U10B team against King's Cambridge. The team started off really well scoring in the early stages of the first half. As time went on the boys looked promising in how they moved the ball to the wider channels.