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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Boys’ Hockey
By Zak Jones, Head of Hockey
players’ player. Bruno Aldridge (
Vinehall
)and
Rory Saldhana (
Dragon
) were consistently
exciting in attack, setting up many goals, and
Harry Woodall (
Davenies
) and Joe Courtier
(
Twyford
) were the most improved players
of the season, holding the defensive line and
making decisive tackles.
The U15As had a mixed season in terms
of results, but one which was important
for their development both as a team and
as individuals. They showed promise in all
their fixtures and recorded notable victories
over Stowe and Wellington as well as tight
one-goal defeats to Cheltenham, Radley and
Dean Close; Harry Power (
St Hugh’s
) and
Will Monks (
Moulsford Prep
) were stand out
players throughout the season, along with Max
Liddy (
Dragon
) who was the top goal scorer.
The U15Bs battled hard all season against
some very strong opposition but still managed
to record a couple of impressive wins against
Cheltenham and Bloxham.
The U14As endured a very tough season,
losing all 10 matches. Despite this, they
improved as hockey players throughout the
term due to their positive attitudes at training
and during matches. They always worked
hard and never gave up despite some heavy
losses, on which many opposing coaches
have complimented them. Felix Parr (
Christ
Church Cathedral
) showed huge improvements
in goal with his stand out performance against
Marlborough and Felix Burton (
Dragon
)
captained the side well, organising the
other players and always looking positively
at performances to encourage his peers.
The U14B team fought bravely this season,
with all but two results going down to the
wire. The squad had no previous seasons
from which to work, but their efforts to gel
as a team were rewarded with some fine
performances that improved hugely as the
term progressed. Their highlights included
draws against Bradfield and Abingdon as
well as a win against Bloxham. The side were
underpinned by the hard graft of players
such as Isaac Brennan (
Dragon
), Mfon Awak-
Essien (
St Paul’s Cathedral
), Michael Denvir
(
Dragon
) and goal keeper SamWard (
New
College
) amongst others. The U14C team
have had a very enjoyable season and they
always demonstrated great enthusiasm and
energy in both training and matches. As a team
they have achieved some fantastic results, with
draws against Radley and Marlborough and
an outstanding win against Bloxham. Over the
season they have progressed and developed
into talented hockey players with player of
the season Jonathan Battaliou (
Gayhurst
)
performing consistently well throughout.
It has not been a vintage year for the hockey
club and the 1st XI were not immune from
this. In a season plagued by serious injuries
and illness, the side battled hard and showed
great spirit and resolve but just could not
find the elusive wins that some of their
performances deserved. There were a couple
of heavy losses, a number of agonisingly close
defeats - to Bloxham, Marlborough and Stowe
- as well as impressive draws with Radley and
Bradfield. Captian James Woodcock (
Dulwich
Prep London
) was outstanding throughout
and led by example. He was ably supported
by Angus Atkinson (
Dragon
) who excelled
at centre back and Tanaka Chitsenga
(
Dragon
) who was superb between the posts.
The season also saw the rise of U15 Toby
MacLachlan (
Moulsford Prep
) who grew into
1st XI hockey and by the end of the season
was one of the stand-out players.
The 2nd XI, captained by James Bazeley
(
Cottesmore
), also endured a very challenging
season against tough opposition. Highlights
included the performances against Radley
and Stowe despite the end results. Theo
Barker (
Thomas’s, Battersea
) was consistently
composed in defence with Noah Smith
(
Dragon
) notable for his work rate in midfield.
The 3rd XI had a tough season against
some very good teams but showed admirable
commitment and enthusiasm throughout
resulting in some well fought matches and
a few great goals. Captain Yves Rowe (
St
Hugh’s
) proved to be a ‘rock’ in defence,
as was Kian Akhavan (
International School,
Florence
) whose enthusiasm and fearlessness
in goal was an inspiration in many matches.
The U16As enjoyed a positive season,
recording fine wins over Bloxham, Bradfield
and Wellington as well as a hard fought
draw with Cheltenham. The U16Bs trained
hard and played incredibly well together
throughout the season. They got off to a
winning start against Abingdon in the first
match of the season with top goal scorer
Harvey Elvidge (
Sussex House
) scoring
two excellent goals in a 3-1 victory. The
boys went on to finish the season with the
best record in the hockey club, with five
wins, two draws and only two losses. Jack
Verschoyle (
Lambrook
) captained the team
with energy and ended the term as the
U16As v Cheltenham in January
Simon Hipwell