junior hockey over the weekend 29.11.08

Our first visitors were Stockport Grammar on Friday. On what was a cold but bright afternoon our B team played extremely well and dominated their game. Goals from Cammie Spector (2) and Victoria Stanforth were enough to give us a 3-0 victory. Cammie played extremely well in the centre of midfield making some telling runs forward. Our 'A' team played in what was a very entertaining game. A slow start from Arnold led to an early goal from the visitors. However, we worked our way back in to the game, and what can only be described as a stunning goal from Victoria Matthews led to a half time score of 1-1. Arnold continued to dominate at the start of the second half, and Victoria made the score 2-1 with a well struck penalty corner. Seeming in control of the game we then managed to allow Stockport back in to the match. Two mistakes in defence gifted the visitors two more goals and this led to a final score of Arnold 2 Stockport 3.

On a very cold Saturday morning we were pleased to find out that the games would go ahead as our excellent astroturf pitch had survived the overnight frost. Arnold's 'A' team played Rossall first and this proved to be an excellent performance from our girls. Rossall could not cope with the constant runs forward from captain Victoria Matthews, and our attacking play was backed up with an excellent defensive display, marshalled by birthday girl Grace Morris at sweeper! Five goals from Victoria led to a convincing 5-0 victory! Our 'B' team played Cheadle's 'B' team at the same time as our 'A' team, and although we completely dominated possession, we were unable to find a winner and the game ended 0-0.

Next up was a very exciting game between our 'B' team and Arnold's Year 7 girls' 'C' team. With some of our girls being in Year 5 this was going to be a challenging match for them against girls two years older. However, we competed superbly and at half time the scores were level at 0-0. The girls kept up their efforts in the second half and both Amelia Jepson and Jade Yarwood were outstanding in defence, time after time making tackle after tackle. Just before the end of the game the Year 7s managed to find a winner, but our girls, and their very supportive parents, can be extremely proud of their efforts.

The final game of the morning saw our 'A' team continue to play attractive hockey against Cheadle. Victoria continued with her thrilling morning scoring four more goals, and solid defending led to Arnold winning 4-0. Mr Hodgkinson was especially pleased with both Victoria's outstanding display, and that we had learnt from yesterday's defensive mistakes against Stockport.

Well played everybody and thanks to the parents for their support on a bitterly cold morning!

Posted by: Mr A Hodgkinson
Date: Sunday 30/11/2008