U15B
4-0 Win
The U15B team returned to action after half term with a fixture against St Lawrence College on Tuesday 25 February. With two wins and two losses under their belts so far this season, it was a fantastic opportunity for the team to gain some momentum heading into the final stretch of the term. After effectively two weeks off, the team could have been forgiven for dropping below a level that they have become accustomed to; however, this certainly was not the case. From the off, Eltham dominated proceedings with all the play in the St Lawrence final third. Eltham lacked the critical ball at times, but midway through the half, the U15B team put the ball in the net through a goalmouth scramble. Eltham went into half time 1-0 ahead but the team knew they could offer more and the challenge was set – could Eltham add two or three more to the tally and put St Lawrence to the sword? Eltham’s passing and movement became sharper and crisper, and within five minutes, the team scored two more goals. The pick was Joe smashing one home from close range, reacting to a deflection off the keeper. Eltham could have increased their tally to six or seven but, in the end, the team settled for four. Credit must go to all the boys for a wonderful, all-round team performance.
U14A vs St Lawrence College
7-2 Win
On Thursday 27 February, the U14A team survived the weather to face St Lawrence College. In an incredibly windy and unpleasant environment, the boys showed no mercy as they put their opponent’s to the sword from the off. Thomas showed a newfound aggressive attitude to score two quick fire goals and set the pattern for the match. Lysander scored a third goal to round off a really impressive team goal. Following this, Jamie bagged two “top bins” reverse stick goals from the top of the circle and Jacob returned to the field and scored his own reverse stick screamer past a helpless goalkeeper. Jamie then scored the final goal to win the match 7-2. Ollie made some excellent saves in goal, keeping the game away from St Lawrence. Matthew and Piers were solid in defence and are getting better with every game. A very impressive display from everyone on the day.
U14A vs St George’s
3-4 Loss
Eltham College played their second game in a week on Saturday morning against St George’s. Torrential rain and gale force winds did not disrupt the fixture, which started at an incredibly high pace. Eltham moved the ball well and was able to play around the opposition’s press to significant effect. Against the run of play, St George’s scored two quick goals and led the game 2-1, after Eltham hit back just before half time. The second half was a showcase for schoolboy hockey, with an extremely high standard of match play taking place. The game was tied at 3-3 with just one minute left on the clock, before St George’s scored from a short corner in the final play of the game. The game finished 4-3 to the visitors with Eltham’s goals coming from Thomas, Jacob and Ben.
U14B
0-3 Loss
As the players scampered off the pitch to escape Storm Jorge’s hail and rain, the U14B may reflect on a day where the team’s commitment perhaps wasn’t quite up there with previous performances. On a difficult day for hockey, the team started brightly with some good passing movements; however, as the game went on, the team found themselves unable to match the excellent craft and movement of the opponents who turned gradual pressure into goals. Henry had an excellent match in the centre pressing forward with skill and determination and Martiyan did a sterling job in defence with some vital interceptions.
