1st XI 2-4 loss
As always, the 1st XI kicked off their regular season against a strong Alleyn’s squad. Having lost 5-0 last year, the team were keen to get a result on the board and started excellently, as James B put Eltham College 1-0 inside two minutes. Cam doubled the score on 10 minutes, as Eltham raced into a 2-0 lead and things were looking rosy. Alleyn’s were a strong, fit and organised outfit and got one back just before half time. The second half was a little less controlled from Eltham and Alleyn’s equalised midway through the half and then scored two goals, both in the final five minutes. Eltham did have a couple of decent chances in the second half, but sadly the team were unable to finish them. All in all, an excellent match played at a great pace and with outstanding commitment.
2nd XI 1-0 win
The first game for the second XI started quite well, with Eltham holding the better possession in the first half. Eltham made a few excellent attacks through good runs from Tom and Max and created many chances inside the D, which should have been converted to go ahead, but some good goalkeeping from Alleyn’s denied Eltham the lead by the end of the first half. The second half was intense but slightly sloppy from both teams, which resulted in a lot of turnovers. However, Eltham had the better of the chances inside the D, one of which was a penalty corner and Josh stepped up to slot in an excellent drag flick to beat the goalkeeper and give Eltham the lead. Although there were many turnovers, the defence did very well with their structure, making it hard for Alleyn’s to come back into the game. A solid display from the defence helped Eltham to hold onto their lead and finish the match 1-0. The midfield also put in a great effort, assisting the team in both attack and defence.
U15A 2-0 win
The U15A team opened their season with a convincing 2-0 victory against Alleyn’s. Traditionally a rusty season opener, Eltham showed great intensity in their warm-up and started the game on the front foot, breaking down Alleyn’s attacks through a strong reading of play led by captain Uriel. From their first short corner, Eltham took an early lead as Ollie reacted athletically to divert a drag flick, made by Ludo, beyond a stranded Alleyn’s keeper. Alleyn’s came back strong as Eltham made a few poor decisions and invited pressure on themselves, but invariably a through ball missed the Alleyn’s forwards and their attacks passed with no threat to Jack’s goal. Eltham doubled their lead on 20 minutes as a reverse stick cross from the lively Theo found Frank exactly where he needed to be. Eltham made it to the break at two nil, and the scoreline remained that way for the duration of the second half. Eltham had good chances to stretch their lead as chances fell to Freddie and Blue. The team will play Bedford School in the National Cup on Tuesday and will look to maintain their encouraging early season form.
U15B 1-0 win
The U15B team made a strong start to the 2020 campaign with a 1-0 victory away from home against Alleyn’s. The team got off to a tentative start; the game was scrappy for the first part before Eltham’s two centre-half’s, Ethan and Harry, started seeing more of the ball and managed to get a foothold in the game. From then on, the team were dominant, constantly banging on the Alleyn’s door. Joe and Tim made a nuisance of themselves all game, giving the opposition’s defence the run around up top, while Tom and Louie worked well down the left and equally Oli and Dan down the right. Eltham managed to make the breakthrough before half time, with Harry slotting home from close range. The second half followed much of the same pattern. If anything, the Eltham side were even more dominant and played better hockey, creating lots of good chances. Reuben and Chris must be given great credit for shutting down anything that came their way at the back. Unfortunately, the team were unable to convert any of these chances in the second period and the game finished in a relatively comfortable 1-0 win — a very pleasing start to the season.
U14A 0-1 loss
The U14A team got their season underway with a trip to Honor Oak Park to play a talented Alleyn’s team. Eltham initially struggled with the opposition’s high press, finding themselves in their own half for the majority of the first half. Eltham looked like a completely different team in the second half, as they moved the ball from side to side with ease. Unfortunately, a change of astroturf halted Eltham’s momentum, and Eltham ended up losing the game 1-0. A special mention must go to Will, who was outstanding in goal.
U14B 0-2 loss
A keenly contested match to start the season. The U14B team were marginally the slower starters on a quick pitch, and both goals came in the first half when the opposition’s forwards were left unmarked inside the area. Hats off to Efan for stepping up to play in goal and making a couple of excellent one-on-one saves. The second half saw a more competitive effort – stronger tackling with Henry and Barney getting stuck in, and a greater will to compete for the loose ball. The pressure was mostly Eltham’s way, with several superb passing phases and Oles coming closest to opening our account shooting only an inch wide.
U13A 4-3 loss
The U13A team had a slow start to the game. An early goal from Alleyn’s put pressure on the team. Although they had about 11 shots on goal, the Alleyn’s goalkeeper had a stormer of a game, making it difficult for us to finish each shot. Eltham finished the half 4-1 down. The second half was a different game. The boys came back hungry for the ball and eager to get shots in the goal. Eltham had possession of the ball for 90% of the half. The team showed strength up the wings and worked in twos. Most notable performances were from Jake for scoring a cracking reverse stick goal and Kevin, who had excellent positioning and made some fantastic tackling. The game finished 4-3, meaning a 2-0 win in the second half. This performance demonstrates that hard work and commitment to the game pays off. We are excited to see how the U13A team get on in the rest of the season.
U13B 3-0 win
The first game of the season was an excellent game for the U13B team. Despite losing one sub to illness the night before the match, the team all turned up early and set to practising moving the ball out from the back and transferring the ball around the back. The first goal came within three minutes of starting, as all the practice had paid off and Alex slotted one past the goalkeeper. The momentum was then all Eltham. Adam C and James M played fabulously in defence, and Tom was a flexible player running down any breaks that Alleyn’s may have had. The second goal came towards the end of the first half, and Eltham went into the break 2-0 up. Alleyn’s picked up the pace in the second half and had some great breakaways. Sam G saved a goal in a one-on-one situation with a great slide. The third goal came courtesy of Alex. All in all, a great team effort with everyone putting in a hard shift. What a way to start the season.
U13C 2-2 draw
The U13Cs had 13 players this week, meaning lots of energy within the team. The quick rotations allowed the team to work hard on the pitch, and the squad made some fantastic tackles and fought for the ball. A powerful shot on target led to an own goal made by Alleyn’s in the first half, ending it in a 1-1 draw. In the second half, Eltham showed more tenacity. Notable performances include Dylan for his steamrolling defence, Bleddyn for his excellent positioning and placement of the ball and finally Harry, who scored a fantastic goal.
U13D 2-2 draw
For a first outing of the year, this was a very entertaining encounter. Alleyn’s took an early lead, only for Ed C to cancel that out, bringing the score to 1-1 at half time. The team were tenacious throughout; Genta was outstanding in defence, and the whole squad played well. Tom D put Eltham 2-1 up with 10 minutes to play, however, with victory in sight, Alleyn’s converted a short corner to level the game right on the final whistle.
U12A 5-1 win
The U12A team kicked off their Senior School hockey careers with a tough first game against Alleyn’s. Eltham were somewhat slow out the blocks and, in the first 10 minutes, looked like they hadn’t played too much hockey as a team. Alleyn’s took advantage of the hesitation showed by Eltham and went ahead to lead 1–0 at the end of the first 15 minutes. After some honest words from the coaches, the team that came out for the next 15 minutes looked like a different team. Eltham passed the ball at the right time and moved Alleyn’s around the pitch to create space and opportunities. This play started from the back with Arthur, who was making his A team debut, looking very assured along with the tireless Daanish. Darius passed the ball well from the back when he entered the field, which helped to spread the ball to the edges of the pitch. This allowed the likes of Matthew and Sam more space to attack, which culminated in a flurry of goals with three of them going to Matthew. Credit to the boys who took on board what they needed to do to turn things around, as the team finished as comfortable winners with a final score of 5-1 due to some excellent team play and hard work off the ball.
U12B 1-6 loss
It was a slow start for the U12B team on Saturday. Eltham went 3-0 down in the first third, causing the team to have to work extra hard to stay in the game. As Eltham started to work harder in defence and make safer passes, the team began to get a few chances on goal. By the end of the final third, the two teams were much more evenly matched. In the end, it was 6-1 to Alleyn’s, but the team know what they need to work on this week in practice. Particular mentions go to George and Tim.
U12C 1-0 win
The U12C team had a good game in their first match representing Eltham. As always, the first week of selections for Year 7 is quite difficult, with so many students and lots of new faces. The team were asked just to enjoy themselves and use the opportunity to play well and push for a place in the B team next week. The match was very even, and only a single goal could separate the two sides. Several boys played well and pushed their names forward for the B team. Saturday was only the first step of a very long journey.
U12D 1-0 win
The U12D team had a great first game. For many, it was their first ever competitive game of hockey. The quality of the game was brilliant; Eltham were strong in defence and passed the ball well between themselves. After a number of good shots on goal, Cyrus scored. The game ended in a win for Eltham, 1-0. Players of the match awarded to Christian and Temi.
