On Sunday 25th November 2007 NSWHC's first ever u14 Girls
hockey squad took part in a Cheshire hockey festival held at Calday.
The squad included: Sophie Bezant, Laura Hammond,
Ellie Newall, Beth Thorne, Catherine Connolly, Lucy Mothersdale, Megan Coppack, Ellie Bates, Lucy Creedon, Charlotte Dawson,
Natasha Williamson, Helen Wragg and Emma Smith.
This was to be their first competitive matches wearing pink
and they rose to it like a shrimps to water.
Our first match was against local rivals Oxton. After an exchange
of attacks by both teams, Oxton used their greater experience and strength to take the lead and despite some promising attacks
by NSWHC, the ball was never passed into the danger areas and Oxton won 1 v 0 . Sophie Bezant made some
vital saves in goal and her communication with her defence throughout the festival was excellent.
The 2nd game was against Timperley. After a long tactical
team talk by Richard and Katie, the girls took to the field like a new team. The positional play of defenders Ellie Newall,
Beth Thorne and Laura Hammond was superb, clearing all the opposition attacks and starting our own. Keeping a high line
enabled our midfield of Megan Coppack, Natasha Williamson, Lucy Creedon and Helen Wragg to pass and move and after a
great ball into the D the lively Emma Smith, playing upfront, scored. Despite a few other missed chances NSWHC won 1 v 0.
In the 3rd game against Winnington Park, the girls concentration
was not at the same level as in the previous match. They soon learnt that one good result means nothing unless you can sustain
it. Winnington soon camped in our half and everytime NSWHC got it we gave it straight back. Possession is certainly golden
and without it we were soon punished. 2 goals created by quick, decisive passing and sloppy defending made it an uphill struggle.
However, the girls kept battling away and eventually lost 2 v 0.
After this reality check and a roasting from Richard, the
girls faced the daunting task of playing the mighty Deeside. Fantastic efforts by defenders Catherine Connolly
and Lucy Mothersdale, 2 of our youngest squad members and our continued ability to defend short defenders (thanks to coach
Kenny's training the week before!) helped NSWHC to a well deserved goalless draw.
The girls were all a credit to the club. They were always
so cheerful, despite the cold, and even listened to the advice given! A BIG THANK YOU to all the parental support, umpire
Kevin Mothersdale and Managers Richard Lowry and Katie Hetherington.
The girls are already looking forward to future hockey matches
next year as there are 2 more festivals planned. The future looks rosy pink for ladies hockey.
