1st XI vs Kent College
Drew 1-1
The trip to Kent College on Wednesday 15 January produced an excellent hockey match that was end to end, with both sides showing a superb desire to attack in the right way. Eltham fashioned a host of opportunities, only to go behind midway through the first half. The fight back from the squad was exceptional and, having created more opportunities, Eltham finally broke through to equalise. The game was fractious and high paced, and four saves in the last four minutes, two from each keeper, ensured the game finished with a 1-1 draw.
1st XI vs Felsted School
Lost 5-0
On Friday night, the team came up against a powerful and organised Felsted team. The visitors put the pressure on early in the game, and there was no real way back for the 1st XI after that. Three short corners and two outstanding open play goals saw Eltham finish second best. The match was a good lesson for the young 1st X1 squad, and they must take each vital learning opportunity into the next game.
U14A vs Tonbridge
Won 3-1
The U14A team got their cup campaign underway on Thursday afternoon with an impressive 3-1 win against Tonbridge School. Two goals from Jamie, as well as an own goal by Tonbridge, gave Eltham a well-earned lead. As the opposition needed goals desperately, Tonbridge replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player and piled pressure onto Eltham, scoring a consolation goal in the final play.
U13A vs Kent College
Won 2-0
The U13A team were keen to bounce back from a disappointing result last week. From the first whistle, Eltham dominated the play. Strong defence at the back set up the midfield to run attack after attack. Despite numerous attempts on goal, the deadlock could not be broken. Eltham caught the Kent College keeper on a day where he could do no wrong, and luck was certainly on his side. Eventually, a sharp rebound from Jake, following an excellent drag flick by Akhil, put the visitors 1-0 ahead. Ben got himself into a great position on the far post and doubled the lead with a good deflection from a reverse stick cross by Jake. Although the match finished 2-0, Eltham dominated proceedings and should be pleased with their efforts.
U13B vs Kent College
Won 6-2
The U13B team put in a clinical performance against Kent College on a chilly morning in Canterbury. It wasn’t an ideal start for the team, as they had lost James B early to injury. A cagey opening third saw some end to end hockey, with the team managing to make a breakthrough with Peter pouncing on a rebound. Eltham went into the first break 2-1 up, with the message to be more clinical and to tighten up at the back. Over the next two thirds, Eltham put another four goals on the hosts, with Xav bagging a hat-trick and, in response, Kent College could only muster one. James M and Dan C were pivotal in controlling the game, and Zach provided many good options and clever movement up the left side throughout the game. An excellent performance from all the team.
U13C vs Kent College
Drew 3-3
Kent College could only field six players against Eltham’s U13C team and five against the U13D team. As it is currently the January transfer window, we felt that everyone would benefit more from equal sides and, for the development of the boys, results did not matter. The team enjoyed a tough game, and the lead was swapped a few times between the two sides. Although the U13C team drew 3-3, they were easily the better side, and a few players firmly put their case forward to be promoted to the B team next week.
U13D vs Kent College
Won 3-2
The U13D team had a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire against Kent College. It was a slow start as the team found themselves on the back foot, conceding in the first couple of minutes. The rest of the first half followed a very similar pattern, and most of the game was played in Eltham’s half and their D at times. Genta made tackle after tackle to avert the danger. Kent College grabbed another before half time as Eltham went into the break 2-0 down. In the second half, Eltham looked like a different team and made all the running from the whistle. Tobi and Ben were immense in the middle of the pitch, winning every ball and being the catalysts for almost every attack. Chance after chance and finally Tom D put the ball in the net to spark a late charge from the boys, followed by a goal scored by Tobi, which put the score at 2-2. Before anyone knew it, it was 3-2 to Eltham. Soon after, Tom slotted home his second goal of the game. Seconds remained, and a long ball found its way through Eltham’s backline, with Kent College’s centre forward in a one-on-one with Luke in goal. A big commanding boot away and the whistle went. It was a fantastic game of hockey with huge credit to the team for coming away with a 3-2 win.
