1ST XI
The 1st XI team had another learning experience as they came unstuck against a solid Kent College Canterbury team. 1-0 up after three minutes from a flowing move possible set the confidence levels high, 2-1 down in a flash from some individual errors and then 2-2 at half time which gave the boys a confidence boost (Toby scored both goals). The second half was a real learning curve. Not only did the boys not put in the effort required but they also played as individuals rather than as a collective. In order to get the best out of this season, the boys will need to focus on the team play and how they can win games as an XI.
2ND XI
The 2nd XI team recorded a convincing victory against Kent College on Wednesday in an entertaining game. The Kent College team were unable to cope with the skill and speed of the Eltham players who scored regularly throughout the first half to post a score of 5-0 at halftime. The match continued in similar fashion in the second half, but Kent College did manage to create some chances for themselves but some excellent saves from Joe kept them scoreless. Eltham continued to knock in the goals and a final score of 9-0 was a just reward for all their good play. Charlie and Ben were impressive players in attack with Cameron providing them with many scoring opportunities. Karlo and Conor also worked hard in midfield breaking up their attacks and getting the ball forward quickly to the Eltham attack. Well done to everybody who played their part in an impressive team display.
Under 15A
After a tough cup game over the week, the Under 15A wanted to do well on Saturday against Kent College and had a good start with the goal in the first few minutes of the game, even though the opponents were not as strong as them they had learned from the mistakes in their previous game and started to build up their attack from the right and left halves rather than attacking through the middle . This made their attack a lot easier and ended the first half at 5-0, the second half was a good chance to get everyone involved and the boys did manage well from the changes and made some good goals from excellent build-up play. There was one such goal that stood apart from the rest where they passed four times with two touches and eventually passed the ball into the goal. It was good to get their confidence up and the Under 15s finished the game with the full-time score of 8-1.
Under 14A
The Under 14s are a fine group, the team was back to full strength after missing few players the previous weekend. Last week, the midfielders performed very well and this week it was the back four players that looked solid throughout the entire game, they held the ball really well even when they were pressed, Luke and Alex at right and left half did a great job both offensively and defensively, with Uriel leading the communication from the back the team looks great as a unit. The forwards also pressed the opponents really well which lead to goals, we went into the half time with a 2-0 lead and the second half was also really good with Freddie and Frank pressing their defense quite well and were supported by Theo and Ollie that lead to the two goals at the second half and finished the game with a 4-0 win .
Under 13A
The 13A team had a good win last week and were keen to continue their good form. Both teams played great hockey and it was a quarter of an hour before Kent College broke the deadlock. Noah starred in goal once again and kept out numerous shots and denied the opposition goals which meant we were only one down at half time. Noah is continuing to impress despite playing a year up. Mr Giles gave a team talk that was tactical and aimed at pushing the boys to work harder and outfight their clearly confident opposition. The boys responded positively and got the outcome they deserved. Great work at the back from the defense kept the opposition to minimal attack’s and outletted with far more confidence. The midfield was able to use the ball well and create more attacks. Jamie was the star this week as he was able to use his speed and tenacity to secure a wonderful hattrick and give Eltham the victory. More work needs to be done but this shows how good this team is that they came for behind to win despite not playing their best level.
Under 13B
The Under 13B put together a very commanding display away at Kent College. The result was never really in doubt from the moment Dom completes a first half hattrick and Dylan added a fourth. The overall performance was commanding, Thomas and Max were superb through the middle with Ben and Harry commanding the flanks. When called upon, Seb was safe and sound in goal and Oles and Charlie provided good support from the wings. A second hattrick from Wade and Adamson and Chaban saw the boys to a 9-2 win.
Under 12A
The 12A team lost to a good Kent College side who had a couple of very good players. Having trained well during the week the boys were unable to transfer that momentum to the match. Kent was 2-0 up at half time, with two very good team goals despite Noah putting in another extremely good performance in goal. The most memorable save of the game was when Noah plucked out a ball screaming towards the top right-hand corner with his left glove. Kent came out and scored the third goal and the continued to outfight and outrun us. Jake did manage to score a lovely short corner to make it 3-1 before Kent increased their lead once again to make the score 4-1. Eltham did score a second consolation goal to finish the game 4-2. The boys were told after the game that you don’t win or lose, you win or learn. If the boys react positively from this loss and grow as a team going forward, then this will still have been a good day.
Under 12B
The Under 12B team made light work of a cold morning as they put together a resounding 8-2 win that was typified by a hattrick by Alex. Good performances from Xavier, Harry and Dom ensured the game was never in doubt and everyone played their part. This was a good example of how close the A and B sides are to each other in ability and gave a clear indication of the strength of the Year 7 group.
