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UniTed's Blog
Hi! I'm UniTed, mascot of the Under 11's Adders team. After an enjoyable season in the ECRHA league last year's team finished 4th out of 9 teams which was a great acheivement for a novice team in their first season of competition. We are not competing in ECRHA this season but instead we are playing SECRHA league based at the Pier with teams from Eastern Counties coming down to take part. We will also be competing in the National Cup.
My team is almost unchanged from last season and the line up is: Charley Bassom, Charlie Botting, Connor Botting, Michael Gregory, Kier Maeers, Callum Upton and Sam Whiffen. Callum played one tournament with us last season but he has now joined us as our goalkeeper, replacing his brother who did so well last year and Kier is new to playing in tournaments.
As with last season I'll be reporting from all of our matches to let you know how the team get on.
Once again my paws are crossed for an enjoyable season.
Bubbles and I travelled to Bisley near Woking to watch my team compete in the National Cup final against Kings Lynn. We had a good vantage point from near the timekeepers so that we could see everything that was happening. The team was the same one that competed in the qualifying match and Charlie was captain. The game started really well with Alex and Lewis getting shots on goal almost straightaway. Sam was doing well in defence when needed and Lewis was getting some lovely passes in to Michael and Alex. Lewis and Alex passed to each other all the way up the rink but just couldn't score at the end. Kings Lynn had a shot on our goal but then it was back to Lewis shooting a number of times at their goal again. Unfortunately nothing wanted to go in! A foul was given against us but Alex stole the ball from Kings Lynn at the whistle and scored and we were in front. It didn't last for long though as Kings Lynn scored 30 seconds later. Callum got to their first shot but they were ready for the rebound. Not long after that Kings Lynn were given a foul on the edge of the box. Sam defended well but Kings Lynn were able to shoot and the ball went in off the post. Lewis and Alex were even more determined to score again and were constantly firing shots at the Kings Lynn goal but it just wasn't our day - nothing went in. Sam had some defending to do but mostly we were in possession the whole time and were trying our hardest to score. Kings Lynn scored again two minutes from the end from outside the box and then Lewis scored when his shot bounced in off the post and then rebounded out of the goal. We were 3 - 2 down at half time.
The second half started just as the first had with Lewis, Alex and Michael all shooting. We had one shot stopped right on the line but the goal area was very crowded and I couldn't tell who would have had the goal had it gone in! Again we were almost totally in possession of the ball and did everything we could to score but Kings Lynn got two quick goals halfway through the second half. Michael got a lovely pass from Alex and scored but we were still two behind. After some more good passing Lewis scored again and now we felt that the team knew they could get at least one more to force some extra time and there was five minutes left to do it. I couldn't have asked for more effort from the team. Alex, Lewis and Michael tried and tried, and Connor was doing well keeping our defence at the back, but it wasn't to be. Alex even managed a very long range shot just as the buzzer went but it was saved so the team lost 5 - 4. They were very disappointed. From the amount of shots we had on goal compared to the number that Kings Lynn had we should have easily beaten them but our luck was out. It was a fantastic game to watch though and I am very proud of them. They were all presented with silver medals and Alex was also awarded the NRHA player of the year award for the second time so an extra well done to him!
UniTed's scorers: Lewis (2), Alex (1), Michael (1)
Alex, Lewis, Sam and Michael were also playing in the under 13 cup final so we stayed to cheer them on as well. That game was also against Kings Lynn and they started by scoring almost from the start! Both teams very quite evenly matched to start with but as the game went on Kings Lynn were putting more pressure on our team. Although we had some chances it was Kings Lynn who stormed ahead scoring five goals in the last five minutes of the first half to give them a 6 - 0 lead at the break. The second half was much more even with both sides having lots of chances to score. Alex got a goal for us five minutes into the half and there wasn't another until Kings Lynn scored two minutes from the end so the under 13's were beaten 7 - 1.
Also from our club, Becca and Emily were playing in the Ladies match for the South team against the North. They did really well and it was another very enjoyable match to watch with the South team winning 4 - 0.
The seniors were also competing and we hoped that they would win their game against Middlesbrough so that at least one trophy would come back to our club. Middlesbrough took the lead early on but we got two goals back and it stayed that way until about 90 seconds from the end when Middlesbrough equalised. Despite the efforts of both teams neither could score a deciding goal and it went to extra time and a golden goal. We started with the centre and Brendan whizzed up the rink with it and scored just 5 seconds into extra time! It was very exciting and everyone was very happy that we'd won! In fact everyone was so happy and excited that my minders left without collecting Bubbles and myself from our viewpoint and we had to be rescued by Auntie Aileen. She allowed us to guard the trophy until we were remembered and our minders came to fetch us.
It was a really good day and we enjoyed all the games, even the ones where Herne Bay United were not represented. See you next season!!
This was the last tournament for this season's SECRHA league and we had a full team. Our first game was against Herne Bay and Kier was our captain. Straight away we were on the defence with Callum needing to make a good save but after that we took control of the game and had the majority of possession. Kier had a good shot but Michael was first on the scoresheet after one and a half minutes. Sam and Michael had a number of shots on goal but they all kept going wide, and Connor and Sam were defending well too. Sam's shot went in the side netting and he then made a good pass to Michael but there were too many people in the box for him to be able to get a clear shot. Kier then had a good shot and Michael hit the post. Kier and Michael were continuously shooting at the Herne Bay goal but nothing wanted to go in, it was very frustrating to watch! Eventually Kier's shot went in off the post with five minutes of the half left and then Sam hit one in from the edge of the box two minutes later. Not long after that Connor scored as well and despite Herne Bay having a shot across our goal we finished 4 - 0 up at half time.
The second half started with Kier determined to score again and he had several attempts at goal straight away. Charley did some good defending before Connor had a run up the rink with a good shot at the end. There was a nice team move with Sam and Connor involved with clearing the ball from our area and getting the ball to Kier for a run up the rink. Five minutes into the half Michael scored a lovely goal after dodging neatly round a defender right in front of the goal. Soon after Kier scored from the edge of the box before Herne Bay had a couple of chances of their own. With six minutes remaining a two sticks was given, Michael flicked the ball to Kier and he scored. We had a loss of defence soon afterwards but somehow managed to keep the ball out and then Kier was off up the rink again to complete a second half hat-trick with two and a half minutes to go. Connor was determined to add another right at the end but his shot went wide and we ended up as 8 - 0 winners.
The second game was against the Cobras and Michael was captain this time. The team were shocking in this game and didn't play well at all! Straight from the start of the game Cobras took the lead through Luke and less than a minute later Alice had scored as well, although from where we were sitting it looked like Callum had stopped the shot before the line. Michael tried several shots and Charley was ready for one of the rebounds but Sam pulled us one back. Callum was having to make a number of good saves but he couldn't stop Tom from getting the Cobras' third. Michael's shot bounced off Guy's head and then Kier and Connor tried as well. Michael was given a yellow card for bringing Alice down but we felt something should also have been given for her retaliation. Kier and Sam had a number of shots on goal again and Kier was rewarded when his shot from the edge of the box went in. He then got another soon after following a lovely pass that he took round the defender to shoot. Straight from the restart we were back at the Cobras' goal, Sam taking a shot that we thought was too weak to go in but somehow it dribbled in under Guy's legs. Callum saved well again before Tom got two quick goals due to a total lack of defence from our team and we finished the half 4 - 5 down.
The second half displayed the worst play from the team although Sam equalised soon after the restart. The team seemed to be half asleep and weren't playing nearly as well as I know they are capable of doing. Somehow, though, we managed to survive the numerous attacks on our goal and had a few chances of our own though Sam and Kier. Charley and Charlie were doing some good defence and finally, as the match drew to a close, the team picked up again, with Sam hitting the post. Kier had a good run up the rink and made a lovely pass to Michael who scored and put us into the lead with one minute left to go. Cobras were determined to equalise again and Callum had to save well but Michael decided the game with the final goal with just 3 seconds left of the match. We won 7 - 5 in a match that was entertaining for all the wrong reasons as we sat watching and wondering what on earth had happened to our team!
This match was probably the worst that the team have played for a long time. They were more like the inexperienced team of last year's first ECRHA matches than the capable players that I know they are. They compete next week in the National Cup final and will have to improve a lot on today's performance.
UniTed's Player of the Tournament: Kier - well done!
UniTed's scorers: Kier (6), Michael (4), Sam (4), Connor (1)
My next report will follow the National Cup Final.
Most of my Adders (apart from Michael) took part in some friendly matches at the Pier. Our first game was against the Cobras and Charley was our captain. The team started the match with some good passing in the area but after a while they seemed to forget about doing that! Sam scored the first goal but a minute later the Cobras equalised when Luke's shot bounced in off Callum's stick. Kier, Connor and Charley all tried shots but Max was next to score. He got another as well before Sam's shot hit the post. Kier then skated right up the rink and scored with his shot. Unfortunately Max got another straight from the restart to regain their lead. Kier had lots of tries at goal with opportunites for rebounded shots as well but nothing would go in. The play was end to end and Callum was having to make some good saves. Sam shot twice but finally Charlie got us another when she lifted the ball up over the goalie's head with just 22 seconds left on the clock. We finished the half 3 - 4 down.
The second half started with Max scoring straight away after taking the ball round the back of the net and knocking it in at the post. Kier and Charlie both had shots and then Charlie slotted home through the goalie's legs. A minute later she scored another the same way. Callum made a great save and Luke's shot hit the post. Max was luckier as his shot went in off the post! Sam made a good run up the rink and scored and then the rest of the half was made up of missed chances; Kier and Connor's shots went high, Sam's were saved and Max's hit the post. We finished with a 6-6 draw which was good as, after the initial good start, the team played quite badly, forgetting their defence and not passing around.
Our second game was against Herne Bay. The team were joined by Jocie for this match with James also taking a turn in goal; Connor was our captain. Callum had to make a couple of good saves at the start of the game but then the team settled down and played some great hockey. They were passing really well, making use of the last man and making lots of chances. Charley's shot went high, Connor also tried and Jocie was good in defence. It stayed goal-less for eight minutes before Sam's shot was blocked, Connor couldn't get the rebound over the goalie but it eventually went in off a Herne Bay player. This seemed to spur the team on as after another high shot on goal, this time from Connor, Sam scored through the goalie's legs. Herne Bay then managed to get one back before Connor's shot went across the goal, Charlie's was stopped and then Sam scored again. There were another couple of shots tried but we finished the half 1 - 3 up.
The second half continued the great passing play with Charley, Kier and Sam all getting early shots at goal, Kier finally getting one to count. We had a break down in our defence but James saved well before we were back trying shots on goal again. Kier scored again, straight through the goalie's legs. Charlie then collected a high ball in the box and scored. Almost immediately from the restart Kier raced down the rink and shot from behind the goal. The ball hit the back of the goalie's head and went in - how flukey was that?! James made another good save but then Herne Bay pulled another back during one of the rare occasions that our defence let us down in this game. Connor had a final shot on goal but we finished as 7 - 2 winners.
All I can say about these two games is what a transformation - it was as if different teams were playing each game. The first match was really lacking in team play and awareness of the other players but something clicked in the second game and they played so well, it was really entertainig to watch and it showed that all that training is paying off - if only they can remember it for every game!
UniTed's scorers: Charlie (4), Kier (4), Sam (4)
My next report will follow our final SECRHA tournament on June 29.
Most of my Adders (Charlie, Connor, Michael, Callum and Sam) joined up with Lewis and Alex to represent the Southern Counties in the Under 11 Inter Regional Tournament held at Peterborough. The Under 13's were also playing the same day and Lewis and Alex were playing in those matches as well so they had a very busy day!
Our first match was against Eastern Counties 1 with Michael as our captain, and they were a very good team. Alex had the first shot on goal but it was too high. Lewis also tried to score but Michael was first on the scoresheet three minutes into the game. The game had hardly restarted before Lewis tapped in a pass and got our second. A minute later Eastern Counties got one back but 30 seconds later Michael finished a great passing move and restored our lead. Callum made a good save but Eastern Counties scored again from a great shot that he didn't really have a chance of saving. Unfortunately a minute later Sam scored an own goal but Alex strengthened our lead with two goals from great passing moves and five minutes still on the clock. Alex did a nice pass to Connor but it was bit too high for him. Eastern Counties pinged a shot off the post before Charlie did a body block sending herself and the opponent flying! The end of the half was end-to-end play but no more goals were scored and we finished it 5 - 3 up.
I'm not sure what happened to the team at half time but they didn't seem as determined in the second half. Eastern Counties made the most of this and closed the gap just 30 seconds into the game. We spent most of the half defending; Callum did a great one-on-one save as well as numerous others to keep us in the game. Sam was doing really well in defence too. We thought we had done enough to gain the win but 10 seconds from the end Eastern Counties shot on goal. Callum did a great save but the rebound went in and we had to settle for a 5 - 5 draw.
Our second game was against Northern Counties and this time Connor was captain. Northern Counties took the lead after a minute due to a breakdown in defence. There was some good passing between Michael and Alex before Northern Counties scored again from a great shot as the player was turning. Alex and Lewis both had shots but it was Northern Counties who continued to score. They got two more in quick succession before we managed the same. Connor passed up the boards to Lewis who scored, and then Sam's shot rebounded for Lewis to trickle his second under the keeper. Callum did lots more good saves, Lewis had a great run up the rink until he got tackled and Michael had several shots, but Northern Counties got two goals at the end of the half when their shots didn't get cleared properly. We finished the half 2 - 6 down.
The team were determined to get back into the game. We had a free hit after 30 seconds. Lewis took it and the ball went in under the goalie. Alex, Lewis and Michael were all firing shots on goal. Finally Alex passed to Michael and he slotted it home. Northern Counties then scored again. Alex, Lewis and Michael continued to take shots but the goalie was doing really well and nothing would go in. Finally with just under seven minutes to go Lewis' shot scored but Northern Counties scored again from the restart following a good passing move. The game now swung back and forth with both sides taking shots. With four minutes to go it looked like we were going to lose the match 5 - 8 but suddenly the team came alive. Lewis scored three goals and Alex got one in the space of 90 seconds! Lewis was then booked, we think for moving before the whistle had been blown. Alex and Michael both had shots but we held on for a hard earned 9 - 8 victory. I think our supporters were just as exhausted as the players - it was very nerve-wracking!
Our final game was against Eastern Counties 2 with Sam as captain. It was the last game of the under 11's tournament and thanks to our win and draw we knew that we had already claimed 2nd place. However, there was a chance that we could win the trophy if we won this match by at least 12 goals. If the winning difference was 11, we would be facing a penalty shoot-out against Eastern Counties 1, and 10 or less would mean we stayed in 2nd place - there was everything to play for!
Michael and Alex started trying to achieve our target but it was another shot of Alex's that started our hopes building as it went in off the bar. Half a minute later Alex passed to Lewis and his shot went in too. Alex and Lewis continued to pile on the pressure before Lewis scored twice more and had another disallowed. Alex shot but Lewis scored from the rebound, then Alex scored from a tight angle with the ball going in behind the goalie's head, and Lewis got the last goal of the half when his shot went in under the keeper. We were leading 7 - 0 at half time and the tension was building!
Alex started the second half with a goal shot from just outside the box. Sam defended well, and then Lewis scored again. Alex was brought down in the box, he stepped up to take the penalty and scored. Sam defended well again in a game where we'd had most of the possession so had not had much defending to do. Eastern Counties scored a consolation goal before being awarded a direct free hit that Callum saved brilliantly. Lewis scored again and by now all of our goals were being greeted by very loud booing from the Eastern Counties supporters. We did our best to compete with our cheers! Alex blasted a shot into their goal from outside the box again and now the score was 12 - 1 and we were facing a penalty shoot out. We had four minutes to score our winning goal and make sure that no more went in at our end. After an intense three minutes Lewis was our hero taking the score to 13 - 1 and giving us the vital 12 goal difference that we needed. The team held on for the final minute and the whistle blew to give Southern Counties the honour of winning the first ever under 11's inter regional tournament!
As you can imagine they were all very happy! They were presented with the trophy by Keith Allen, president of the NRHA, and they all have a very nice gold medal as well. Congratulations to all of the team for a very determined performance. Alex and Lewis also went on to win runners up silver medals in the under 13's tournament so an extra well done to them and the rest of the under 13 team.
UniTed's scorers: Lewis (16), Alex (8), Michael (3)
I'm afraid I missed this tournament as I was on holiday but so were Callum, Charlie and Connor so we had to round up a few players to help out the rest of the team! Thanks to Katie, Alex and Eddie who stepped in so that our team could play.
Despite Alex being told to pass the ball around and not just score we still managed to dominate the play in all three of our games. In fact Alex wasn't on as much as he could have been so the good results weren't all down to him! We beat Herne Bay 16 - 0, Plymouth 12 - 0 and Cobras 13 - 0. Poor Eddie was a bit bored as he only got to touch the ball about three times. The results from this tournament keep us at the top of the league. With the Plymouth tournament cancelled we only have one tournament left to play and have enough points in hand that we can't be beaten so well done team for winning the league!
UniTed's Player of the Tournament: Sam - well done!
UniTed's Scorers: Alex (17), Michael (10), Katie (7), Kier (5), Sam (5), Charley (3) plus we had an own goal scored by Plymouth
My next report will follow the Inter-Regional Tournament at Peterborough on May 3 as most of my Adders are representing Southern Counties.
The Adders played in their second SECRHA tournament at the Pier. We were missing Charlie as she was injured so Katie kindly agreed to be an honourary Adder for the day.
Our first game was against Herne Bay and Sam was captain. We started really well with Connor scoring after 90 seconds. Herne Bay had a shot go wide before Michael's shot bounced off the goalie's head. There was lots of good passing between Michael and Connor and another shot from Michael was blocked by the goalie's elbow. Sam and Kier did some good tackling before Michael's shot went over the goal. Connor took a turn at hitting the goalie's head before Michael managed to score our second. Katie and Charley did well in defence but Herne Bay managed a shot which went into the side netting. Michael and Sam were then passing well and Sam's shot bounced off the post. Michael scored his second with three minutes remaining and got another just over a minute later. That one was easy as Herne Bay had lost their defence and he had an almost open goal. There was still time for him to have another shot which was blocked but he flicked the rebound and scored and we finished the half 5 - 0 up. We started the second half facing a wide shot from Herne Bay but then Kier did a great run up the rink. Callum had to save well but Michael was soon back at the other goal and joining Connor in a number of shots at the Herne Bay keeper. Finally Connor got his shot in from just inside the box. Michael and Connor were passing well again and Sam had a couple of shots too. One bounced into the stomach of a Herne Bay player and resulted in a two sticks taking place. The ball got to Connor and he scored. Katie and Charley were still solid in defence when needed but Charley also managed a good shot that bounced off the goalie's elbow. Connor had a shot that Sam scored with from the rebound but it was not given as he was inside the D. He again won the two sticks that followed and got the ball to Connor but this time his shot was blocked. Sam's shot then hit the post but Connor reached it and scored our final goal of the game and we won 8 - 0.
It was Callum's birthday today so while there was a break between games everyone sang him 'Happy Birthday' and had some little cakes - even the other teams had some as well!
Our next game was against the Cobras and Michael was captain for this game. Almost immediately Michael's shot bounced off Alice's foot and almost ended in the goal but Kier collected it and scored with just 30 seconds gone. A minute later Sam scored through Guy's legs and he scored the same way a minute and a half later when he connected with Michael's pass. Michael and Sam had a few more shots before Max's went wide at our end. Michael, Sam and Connor were all piling shots at Guy but nothing was going in any more and Max was having the same trouble with his attempts. The rest of the half was a stalemate with no-one managing to get past each other's defence. The second half started with a goal after a minute for Michael, again through Guy's legs. Tom then had a couple of shots, saved well by Callum, one being cleared off the line by Michael as well! Sam's shot was blocked but then just trickled in under Guy. Michael was judged to have brought down Tom, a decision we didn't agree with but we know the referee's say is final so, as Tom was sprinting for goal with no-one in his way, we were then faced with a direct free hit and Tom took it well. Callum saved his first shot but Tom was ready for the rebound and scored. As with the first game Charley and Katie were defending well and Callum had more to do in this game than the previous one! Midway through the half Max scored while Connor and Michael's shots could only go wide. Connor and Jamie collided, then got their legs all tangled up and ended up sitting on the rink next to each other with their backs against the barrier. They looked like they'd just sat down to have a chat! Michael scored again for us and 20 seconds later Jamie got one for the Cobras. The final goal was from Tom as Katie, Kier and Charley's shots were all blocked or went over. We finished the game 6 - 4 winners.
Our final game was against Plymouth and this time it was birthday boy Callum who was captain. Plymouth started the game just playing a box defence and with no-one taking the game to them the Adders just knocked it about very slowly. Those of us watching were almost asleep! Luckily there was some encouragement from the bench and they finally picked up the pace. Michael had a number of shots and Sam had another goal disallowed for standing in the D! He then had one bounce off the post before Michael finally scored from his own rebounded shot. Charley had a go as well but hers rebounded into the net. All of the team were having shots on goal but it was Michael who scored two more before Sam's shot came off the arm of a Plymouth player, and Katie scored from the rebound. With 45 seconds left Sam grabbed another goal from Connor's rebounded shot. Connor had another couple of shots but the half ended 5 - 0 and Callum had had nothing to do! Kier started the second half with several shots and Sam hit the post before he passed to Kier who scored. Charley then had her shot bounce in off the post and Kier got a second from outside the box. The goals started to pour in now inbetween shots for all the players. Michael scored three, the second from the edge of the box. Connor scored two, one form Michael's pass, the second from Katie's rebound. Plymouth then had a shot finally giving Callum something to do and the final goal was scored by a Plymouth player; unfortunately for them Katie was trying to score round the edge of the post and it went in off a Plymouth foot. We thought there might be a final goal but unfortunately Michael missed an almost open goal and Connor couldn't get to the rebound. The game finished 14 - 0.
Apart from the beginning of the Plymouth match they were all enjoyable to watch. The passing of the Adders is really improving; nice and firm, and there were some well-taken goals. We still need to work on that defence through!
UniTed's Player of the Tournament: Michael
UniTed's scorers: Michael (12), Connor (6), Sam (4), Kier (3), Katie (1), Charley (1)
Most of my Adders took part in the pre-match before the European League game against Porto. The pre-match teams were a mixture of under 9, under 11 and under 13 players, with the goal keepers due to swap between the teams. However, Ashley had injured his finger and couldn't play so Eddie had to quickly get out of the his goalie kit to take his place!
The game started very evenly with lots of end to end play, with both teams showing good displays of attack and defence. Michael had the first shot on goal but it was stopped well by Joe leaving it to Harry to claim the first goal and give the Whites the lead after three minutes. Eddie had a good shot (a nice change for him as he's usually saving them!) but Alex stretched the Whites' lead with two quick goals around the six minute mark. He also hit the post several times. Just after eight minutes Charley got the Yellows' first goal before Joe and Sam did well to the stop the Whites scoring again. Jocie had a shot, Tom did a long run up the rink and there was a good passing move from Charlie to Charley giving her a chance to shoot. Charley had another couple of shots but Whites were next to score after Tom passed to Michael and he flicked his shot past Joe with a minuted and half left to go. Luca did some good defending and Tom had a shot but the half ended with the Whites having a 4 - 1 lead.
The second half started with the Whites extending their lead with two goals from Alex in the first two minutes. Harry and Alex had several shots, all saved well by Joe, and then it was Eddie, Lewis and Jamie's turn to shoot and be denied by Callum. The Yellows' pressure paid off with two goals in seven seconds from Lewis after seven and a half minutes but just 10 seconds laters Alex scored again and two minutes later he got another. Lewis claimed his hattrick with three minutes to go before Alex scored the goal of the match with a lovely shot from the anti-game line with 90 seconds left to play. Thirty seconds later Alex had a good run up the rink and scored his last of the day but there was still time for Harry to score again and then for Connor to tap in Alex's pass in the final second of the game. It had been a very entertaining match to watch with all of the players seeming to enjoy themselves. The final score was Whites 12 - 4 Yellows. At the end the teams lined up and raised their sticks just like the seniors do and they got a big cheer which was really nice.
The teams were : Whites - Tom, Connor, Jocie, Michael, Katie, Alex, Harry, Callum. Yellows - Charley, Charlie, Luca, Lewis, Jamie, Eddie, Joe, Sam.
UniTed's Scorers: Charley (1), Michael (1), Connor (1). Other scorers: Harry (2), Lewis (3), Alex (8).
My next report will follow our tournament on 24 February.
The Under 11's were competing in the National Cup semi-final taking place in Soham. Most of my Adders (except for Kier) made up the team along with Lewis and Alex from the Vipers. Bubbles, the under 9's mascot, joined me to give some extra support. Lewis was our captain for the match and we played Manchester.
The game got off to a really good start as Lewis scored with just 25 seconds gone. We couldn't have hoped for a better start than that! The team had to defend briefly with some good play from Sam, Alex and Lewis. Michael then had a close shot and there was some good passing between Michael and Lewis. Callum made a great save and then with five minutes gone, Michael doubled our goals. He had another good shot but Alex was next on the score sheet with a fantastic shot from the anti-game line two minutes later. Michael was determined to add to our total with another couple of shots before the team had to defend again; Alex and Lewis doing well and Callum clearing nicely. Alex had a great run up the rink ending with a lovely pass to Lewis and a close try from Michael. Alex had another good run and this time managed to score at the end of it with three minutes remaining in the half. Lewis and Connor were passing well to each other, especially right in front of the goal. Unfortunately Connor only had one hand on his stick and couldn't control the pass otherwise we might have scored another goal! However, with a minute and a half left, Lewis got his second and just less than a minute later he completed his hattrick with a goal that just seemed to sneak in. Manchester finished the half with a shot that went wide so when the whistle blew we were 6 - 0 up.
The second half started with some good passing between Alex and Lewis. Alex passed to Connor right in front of the goal but again he only had one hand on his stick and the ball went out of reach. Two hands, Connor!! Callum saved well and then Lewis and Charley tried some shots. Callum and Connor defended well when Manchester had a good shot. We had a spell of possession before Manchester broke and the whole team had to rush back to defend. Lewis then broke away and Alex's shot went wide. Lewis passed to Charley but she couldn't quite get to it and Manchester were doing well with their defending. This half was playing out very differently to the first, and with both teams enjoying large amounts of possession but not making their chances count, it looked like the score would remain the same. Eventually though, with six and a half minutes left, Alex scored his hattrick. Callum made two good saves and Charley had a good shot. With our defense in disarray Manchester attacked; Callum saved their first shot but they took the rebound round the back of the goal and knocked it in under Callum as he went for the ball. He was called on to make several more good saves especially as the team left the area in front of goal open on too many occasisions. There was a lovely passing move up the rink by Charlie, Charley and Michael and some good defence from the whole team. A scramble in the goal mouth followed but we finally cleared the ball away. Charlie passed to Michael and his shot was close. Charlie and Callum then stopped Manchester's score increasing and Sam also helped out. At the final whistle we had won 7 - 1.
The first half was much better than the second. We had most of the possession and created lots of scoring opportunities. Our defence failed too many times in the second half which allowed Manchester to take their chances. This is very much still something we need to work on!
Our win today takes us to the final on July 5 when we will play Kings Lynn.
UniTed's scorers: Lewis (3), Alex (3), Michael (1).
My next report will follow the match being played before the FC Porto game on January 19 as most of my Adders are taking part.
The Under 13's were playing a Secrha tournament at the Pier but Plymouth pulled out. We put in a select under 11 team to play some friendly matches and Charley, Charlie, Connor, Michael, Kier and Sam played along with Guy, Max, Alice and Katie. When we got to the pier we found that it had been double-booked and we had to finish by 12 o'clock instead of half past one! This meant that all of the matches had to be swapped around and we ended up playing three shorter matches.
Our first game was against East Grinstead, Connor was our captain and we played 9 minutes for each half. With East Grinstead being an under 13 team they were all much bigger than our players and they quickly made the most of this with two goals in the first two minutes! However, Michael then had a close shot and the team did well with their defence. Despite a good save from Guy East Grinstead were able to score again halfway through the half. We did manage a few passes and Michael had another shot but we were mainly playing the game in defence and the team were doing well. Unluckily East Grinstead scored again with just 6 seconds left leaving us 0 - 4 down after the first half.
The team played much better in the second half although East Grinstead had a couple of early shots, one of which hit the post. They scored again after two minutes but then the team really started to get their act together; Alice, Kier and Guy all doing well in defence. We were still struggling to get anywhere near the East Grinstead goal but we only let them get one more in. Guy had to do a number of good saves near the end of the game and it finished 0 - 6. The result was a bit disappointing but they did well against a larger side.
Michael didn't play any more for us as he was being interviewed with the rest of the under 13 team to appear on TV! Our second game was against Herne Bay's under 11 team. Again we played 9 minutes each way, and Kier was our captain. This game was easier for us as the opposing players weren't so big! We had the majority of possession although Herne Bay were the first to score with just 90 seconds gone. Charley's shot hit the post and there was some good passing between Charlie and Connor. Sam worked well in defence and Charley had another shot. It didn't go in but next time she tried it did so with three minutes to go we had equalised. Alice tried to add to our score but the half ended 1 - 1.
The team played better again in the second half beginning with a number of shots from Max and Connor. Max then took the ball round the back of the net and passed to Connor who scored with two minutes gone. The game had hardly restarted when Alice passed to Max who slotted the ball in off the goalie's elbow at the near post. Max and Connor continued to press the Bay's goalie but it was a pass from Alice that gave Connor the chance to score his second. Sam then started attacking as well and Max scored his second. Sam's shot went over the bar, Charley's went wide and Charlie's was elbowed off the line. Max tried one last time before the final whistle and we had won 1 - 5.
Our last game was only 5 minutes each way as time was running out and we played Herne Bay again. This time Charley was captain and we also had Katie playing. Just 15 seconds into the game Charley passed to Connor and he scored - what a great start! Alice's shot hit the post but her next one went in. Max and Charley both had shots and Alice did well in defence but Herne Bay scored 11 seconds from the end giving us a 2 - 1 half time lead.
Sam, Kier and Katie began the second half with shots on goal. Kier defended well allowing Sam, Charlie and Katie to attack. Guy kept his goal well defended but despite Sam and Charlie both trying shots no-one scored in the second half so the score remained 2 - 1.
Playing the East Grinstead under 13's gave the team some good experience even though I think the size of the players was a bit daunting for our smaller team members.
UniTed's Player of the Tournament: This wasn't voted for today as it wasn't a proper under 11's tournament.
UniTed's scorers: Connor (3), Max (2), Charley (2), Alice (1)
Our senior team were playing C Pati Vic in the European League and the Adders were invited to play the Cobras as part of the pre-match entertainment. Max, Guy and Jocie weren't able to play so Katie, Alice and Joe stepped in to help out the Cobras. Michael was our captain for this game.
The game started well with Michael having a shot on goal almost straight away which he quickly followed with a few more. Charley had a good run up the rink and then Michael's shot went wide. The Cobras then got into the game with Jamie and Tom getting shots on goal. Sam tackled well and Callum did a good save before Tom put his shot in the side net. Then we were on the attack again with a good pass from Charlie to Charley and shots for Charlie and Connor. Charlie passed to Connor who shot and didn't manage to connect with his rebound. Charlie and Charley both had shots before Sam defended well but then Tom broke free, our defence didn't get back and he scored. Kier did a nice pass to Charley who shot. The team then had a short spell of defence; Charlie, Kier and Connor all preventing the Cobras getting near our goal. Michael and Charlie both had several shots before Kier defended well and got the ball to Michael. He did a great pass to Charlie who slotted the ball in to equalise. Charlie and Michael were now getting lots of shots on goal and it paid off with Michael scoring just before half time giving us a 2-1 lead.
The second half began in the same way as the first with Michael having a shot on goal. Unfortunately Connor couldn't quite make the rebound. Sam defended well and then had a shot on goal. There was some good passing between Sam and Connor, and Kier and Connor. Sam defended well again and Connor had a shot before all the team worked well in defence. Michael had a shot before passing to Kier who also tried to score. Then Michael shot across the goal and the Cobras picked up the ball, got Tom through and he scored again. Sam was doing well in defence and then had a great shot which was stopped right on the line. Michael passed to Charley and then she passed back for Michael to score again. Charlie did some good defence letting Charley try a shot which went over the bar. Callum then did a great save from Jamie's shot. Charley took the ball up the rink, passed to Michael who shot and we almost got an own goal from Katie. Michael shot again before taking his rebound round the back of the gaol, passing to Charlie who unfortunately couldn't get to this pass but then somehow the ball seemed to trickle past Joe and the goal was given to Charlie. Michael had another couple of shots before the final whistle and we had won 4-2.
This was a very entertaining match to watch and while we had the majority of possession we still had lapses in defence although not as many as during the tournament the other week. We also had trouble getting past Alice and James who stood in front of Joe and refused to move! It was the first time that both teams had played in front of such a large crowd (it was standing room only!) but they all did really well and didn't seem nervous. It was also nice to see that both our senior team and C Pati Vic watched most of the match. We hope they liked what they saw!
United's scorers: Charlie (2), Michael (2)
The team stayed to watch the match and first we enjoyed a display by Da Capo Dance Troupe - they were really good!
The match was really fast and exciting. The Spanish team skate really fast and they hit the ball very hard! Every time one of our players managed to get near the Spanish goal it was very exciting and we were willing the team to get a goal. Unfortunately they didn't manage to score any but I think we would have raised the Pavilion roof with our cheers if they had - hopefully next time! We lost the match 0 -14 but I hope that all of my team and the other young players watching were inspired by the game - it was fantastic!
My Adders were up bright and early for their first SECRHA tournament - our first match was at 8.10am! I helped out with the timekeeping for the tournament but was still able to get a good look at all the action.
Our first game was against Herne Bay and most of their team seemed to be from their under 9's. Kier started his time as an Adder by being captain for this match. We found this game very easy and Michael, Charlie and Charley all scored within the first five minutes. We were always in control and Herne Bay only had one attempt on goal in the first half. Michael added another two and Connor got one as well to give us a 6 - 0 half time lead. The second half went much the same way with our team constantly in possession. They displayed some good passing and hardly let Herne Bay have the ball. Connor scored two goals at the beginning of the half and, although Herne Bay did get two chances to score, Michael scored two, Connor another and Charley got a second all in the last five minutes to give us a 12-0 victory.
Charley was captain for our second game against Plymouth and it was a similar game to the one against Herne Bay. The team again passed well and had numerous shots saved by the Plymouth goalie who was doing really well. He really saved them from losing by a huge margin. Connor got our first goal of this game and Michael had added two more and Charlie another by half time but if all the teams' shooting had paid off it would have been so many more. Charlie and Connor both scored again in the second half, Sam got his first of the day and Charley got two so we won 9-0.
Sam was captain for our match against the Cobras and this turned out to be the most entertaining match of all the ones played today. Sam opened our scoring quickly followed by Connor. The Cobras were playing well but Michael scored our third before Tom found the net. Michael scored twice more before Tom got his second and then Sam scored in the final minute of the half to take us into a 6-2 half time lead. We didn't start the second half so well and allowed Tom to get three goals in the first five minutes. However, the experience gained by the Adders last year really showed over the Cobras and we dug in for Michael to get another two goals and claimed an 8-5 win. It had been the hardest game so far but was good to watch.
Our final match was against EC Select and we had to play without Charley as she had injured her thumb. Charlie was our captain. The team seemed to totally forget all about defending in this game and EC Select were quick to take advantage of our mistakes. Luckily Callum was working really well in goal otherwise they would have had an enormous score! As it was they scored seven by half time and Charlie had managed the only goal for us. The team were totally different in the second half, changing their defence tactics to keep two people back. This system worked and EC Select were only able to add one more goal while Michael managed to get two and Connor one. It was not enough though as the team had given themselves far too large a task following the first half so we lost 4-8. If they had played all of the match like they did in the second half we could have won that game as well.
All in all it was a very successful first tournament for the season. All of the team showed how well they can pass and were all keen to take shots at goal. Kier did very well for his first proper matches and Callum showed that he has great potential as our goalie. Unfortunately our next tournament isn't until the end of February which is a long time to wait but there will be plenty of time for training - especially on that defence!
UniTed's Player of the Tournament was Callum - well done.
UniTed's Scorers: Michael (14), Connor (8), Charley (4), Charlie (4), Sam (3)
My next report will follow the National Cup match in January.
My Adders joined the under 9's and under 13's for a weekend in St Omer. Connor and Callum played with the under 9's and Bubbles has written about their matches in his blog. Sam, Michael and Brandon joined the under 13's to make an under 12's team and Charley and Charlie played in a girls team with Katie and Jocie (although they used Joe as their goalkeeper!)
The under 12's were the first to play and it was a very competitive match especially after St Omer scored right at the beginning of the game! They scored another after five minutes but despite Ashley, Harry, Lewis and Alex all getting shots on goal no-one could score and at half time they were 0-2 down. We improved in the second half and Alex and Harry both scored while St Omer got another. The final few minutes were very frantic with all of the team working hard but the game ended with St Omer as 3-2 winners.
The girls had never played together as a team before but they showed us some really good hockey. Charlie scored at the beginning of the game but St Omer got one back soon after, trickling the ball through Joe's legs. All the girls were getting shots on goal and made some lovely passes. Several attempts got deflected off the post but finally Charlie scored again in the final minute of the half and we led 2-1. The second half started quite evenly but Jocie increased our lead after three minutes. Charley had several shots on goal and Katie was doing well in defence. After some more excellent passing Charley scored in the final minute and the girls won their first match 4-1.
After the first set of matches the kids were provided with some food and drink. The most popluar thing seemed to be the cake which was very tasty!
The under 12's started well in the second game with Harry scoring after just a minute and Alex adding to it soon after. All of the team were working hard and managed to keep the score to 2-0 for the first half. Eddie had a busy start to the second half with some great saves and then St Omer were awarded a penalty. Eddie saved it but unfortunately St Omer scored from the rebound. They got another goal a few minutes later and our team were really working hard but St Omer got a third during a spell of attack. The game ended with St Omer winning 3-2 again. Sam, Michael and Brandon all played well during the games and I think found them quite hard matches.
The girls' team's second game began with a lively first half. Both teams had shots on goal and displayed some good defence, but despite a lot of action the half ended goal-less. It looked like the second half might go the same way but Charlie opened our scoring halfway through it and Charley added another soon after that so the girls won 2-0. For never having played together as a team before the girls did really well; tackling cleanly, remembering to keep one person back in defence and passing well. Everyone thought they gave the best performance out of our three teams.
After dinner at McDonalds or Buffalo Grill we went back to the hotel. I think most of the ground floor was taken up by Herne Bay United! It was certainly very crowded at breakfast on Sunday morning but after something to eat it was back to the rink for a training session The under 9's and girls trained first and then the under 12's also had a session. Both ended with a match with teams made up of a mixture of French and English players. There was even a break for more of that nice cake!
It was a busy weekend but very enjoyable and everyone said it had been fun. Hopefully we can do something similar again later in the season.
My next report will follow the team's first SECRHA tournament on November 4.
Herne Bay United took part in the Herne Bay Carnival this year and most of my Adders were there along with the Vipers and some of the older players. We also had a number of the club's adult helpers with us.
It was a lovely sunny evening and as you can see from my picture I was carried around on one of the buckets. It was fun although I had to watch out for the money being thrown in. My helper also collected a button and some foreign money!
There were lots of people all round the route and as well as collecting money we gave out loads of leaflets. Maybe my Adders team of the future will be some of those kids who will decide to try roller hockey having seen how much fun our entry were having!
It was a great evening and we are looking forward to next year's carnival.
There are some move pictures on the
carnival page.
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