PUBLISHED 22 September 2021
AKS enjoyed their first block hockey fixture for over 18 months against the traditionally strong Altrincham Girls Grammar School and it was honours in the 5 matches.
The 1st XI , playing their first match together, started slowly and only a superb diving save from Anya J in goal kept the scores level. Altrincham however took advantage of our tentative start and went into early lead scoring in the first 5 minutes. Two more goals by the quick skilful Altrincham forwards saw us go into the first break with the score 0 – 3.
The second period saw us start to enjoy more possession and good defending at the back and driving runs forward from Olivia M set the tone. We got back in to the game with a good goal from Katie T after a first time shot from Ziv W deflected off the post. Lifted by the goal we started to play some great passing hockey with Lucy B and Charlotte T dominating in midfield and we deservedly scored again from a well worked corner. A superb strike from Lucy B was saved by the GK but Carly W was on hand on the post to put it in the net to make it 2 – 3. We them lifted our game again and were rewarded for our good play with an equaliser from Lucy B after a superb driving run and shot to find the net. With tails up we continued to push for the win and a superb move with Carly W and Patsy C linking well saw Patsy direct a great shot goal wards only for the final whistle to blow just before it crossed the line! A 3 – 3 draw a deserved result after a superb second half performance. Lucy B & Olivia M were the Players of the Match after excellent driving runs from midfield and out from the back.
The U15 game also saw Altrincham start quickly and they went into an early lead. In the closing moments of the first half AKS got on terms after a great team goal. Katie S cleared out of defence, Katie L drove through the centre to find Sophie F on the right and her perfect pass found Jessie A on the left post and she found the back of the net with a first time sweep. AKS then played some more organised hockey in the second half to maintain the draw.
POM voted by opposition Dani H who made several game saving saves Alex W on her debut for AKS as she got stronger throughout the match and listened and acted upon coaching given.
After returning from a tiring, yet enjoyable week on the Year 9 Lakeside Residential the U14 hockey team had an early morning meet to travel to Altrincham for their first hockey match of the season. This wasn’t the only first for the girls, as for many of the team, it was their first experience of 11 a-side hockey.
Understandably the girls were a little nervous and had much to think about at the start of the game and whilst still adapting, Altrincham took advantage of our inexperience and scored the only goal of the match in the first 5 minutes. From this point on AKS quickly realised they had to adapt, be more assertive and learn fast.
Considering it was the Y 9 girls first match there were certainly many very pleasing elements of play. One highlight of the game was how the team gained possession of the ball deep in their defence half and switched play from the left-hand side of the pitch to enable the team to attack down the right to enter their attacking circle. As the match progressed AKS improved greatly and started to cause problems for Altrincham as they gained more possession and had several scoring opportunities. The girls should be pleased with their efforts and improvements made. A positive experience and a significant learning curve.
AKS payer of the match was awarded to Lucy W for her calm control as Sweeper, distributing the ball competently with good vision. Layla W was Altrincham's Player of the match.
It was in at the deep end for both U12 teams as for all the girls it was their first opportunity to play competitive sport for two years and for many their very first hockey match. In two very different games both the U12A and B teams played well and showed great potential.
An exciting end to end U12A team game ended 0-0 with good defensive play from both schools making it difficult for either team to score. Shelby Q made two crucial saves for AKS in the first half and Amelie C played well in the sweeper position. Player of the match Penelope D was dominant in the middle while a lively performance from Maisie W meant she always provided a threat on the forward line.
Scoring goals came easier for the U12B team with Scarlett E opening the scoring for AKS early in the game and Sophia McG making it 2-0 at half time. An increasingly confident second half display from AKS saw them win the game 7-0 with goals from Sophia McG (2) Anika R, Charlotte J and Kate H. Player of the match was Anika R whose effective passing set up chances on both sides of the field.
AKS U13 sides played against Preston Hockey Club U14’s and the games against older and strong club opposition provided our girls with the challenge they needed in preparation for next weeks Independant Schools Cup game.
An end to end game saw some outstanding individual play in defence and some fast and exciting attacking play. Sophia M was outstanding as sweeper while Esther T and Amelia H defended and counter attacked at pace. Always dangerous in attack, AKS players Lucy W, Charlotte L, Camilla C and Anna V, had a number of shots at goal only to be thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper who was exceptional. AKS eventually took the lead with a well placed goal from Lucy W from a Charlotte L cross.
In a fast and furious second half, Preston scored a well deserved equaliser and with two minutes to go took the lead with a superb strike form the top of the D. In the last 30 seconds of the game determined to equalise, Amelia H took the centre pass, drove forward on the right before slipping the ball to Anna V, who calmly took the ball to the left of the keeper before slotting the ball home to equalise with the last touch of the game. The whole team are to be commended on what was an excellent performance.
.AKS U13B team have had a great start to the season. They started the game well against Preston Hockey club, catching them by surprise and scoring within the first few minutes. Preston responded to the pressure and worked hard to get back on top towards half time. They managed to convert a passage of play into their first goal ensuring that the game was an even score line by the half time whistle. Both teams came out determined in the second half, AKS soaked up wave after wave of attack and made great use of the width on the right. Preston were a strong team and kept the pressure on throughout managing to take a 3-1 lead, within only minutes of the game to go AKS, brought the score back to 3-2. At the final whistle Preston had secured themselves a 4-2 victory. Both sides played some excellent hockey and produced an exciting game, moving end to end.
Players of the Match Isla A and Ella A