It was an exciting and action packed week of hockey at AKS with the U13’s and U18 playing in Cup matches and U14 facing Stonyhurst during the week and five teams playing Kings School, Chester on Saturday.
The week got off to the perfect start when the U13 team played in Independent Schools Cup and progressed into the next round with a great 6 – 1 victory against Stockport grammar School.The team took time to settle, but once in stride goals started to flow with 3 goals in first half from Sophia T(2) and Alyssa W. Strong defending by Evie B, Evie G, Charlotte R and Scarlett B limited the Stockport scoring chances and great attacking play, by Sophia T, Alyssa W and Bella A saw us score three further goals in second half with Alyssa getting a hat-trick and Sadie A also on the scoresheet. Sadie worked tirelessly, linking defence and attack and GK Faye Jackson made some great saves in goal. POM was Evie Bromley for her excellent tackling and defending.
Tuesday saw the U14 team travel to Stonyhurst for a friendly. We started slowly and in the first minute Stonyhurst were awarded a penalty stroke, which they converted and a goal from a corner in the next minute saw the score 0 – 2 in just 3 minutes of the game. To the team’s credit we settled and started to gain more confidence on the ball and a great individual goal from Camilla W got us back in the game in the 10th minute. We started to play some good passing hockey and deservedly got back on terms before the break when another superb strike from Camilla found the net to make it 2 – 2. Gabby H-S was a constant threat with her driving runs on the right and we nearly went ahead when she found Emma W in the circle but her shot went just wide. The game was end to end with us creating chances at one end and Stonyhurst bringing some great saves from Jenay G at the other and deserved to finish level but Stonyhurst found the net before the final whistle to make the final score 2 – 3. Player of the match was Camilla W for her superb goals.
On Wednesday it was the 1st XI who were in action against Rossall in the first round of the National Schools Cup. The team started the game strongly and were unlucky not to take the lead early on in the game. As the game progressed, Rossall became stronger and it was soon evident that it was going to be an evenly contested match. AKS took the lead early in the first half with a well taken goal from Libby C. Fortune was not on the AKS side though as a number of injuries meant that the AKS team were reduced to 9 players allowing Rossall to get back in the game and then take the lead with 1 minute to go. Overall though, the girls should be comended for their hard work and excellent performance throughout the game.
Saturday saw 5 teams take on Kings Chester. The U15/14 side were involved in a thrilling 4 – 4 draw which saw the lead change hands several times. After a closely contested start to the game Kings took the lead only to be pegged back 5 minutes later when Camilla W found the net after a great run and pass from Gabby H-S. Kings were always dangerous but some great defending from Rheya B, Maddie K and Sophia McQ along with some great saves from Emily B in goal saw the scores level at half time. We started the secondly half superbly with a goal in the second minute from Camilla but Kings drew level and then went ahead midway through the half. Player of the Match Anna V then scored a superb individual goal to draw us level but Kings again found the net to make it 3 – 4 with minutes to go. Anna once again stepped up to dribble round a number of Kings defenders and slot the ball past the keeper to earn a well deserved draw 4- 4.
The U13A and U13B teams faced tough opposition from King's Chester in hard-fought games.The A team put up a strong fight but narrowly lost 2-1. Despite the result, both goalkeepers, Faye J and Evie C, made some standout saves and were named players of the match.
The B team showed great determination, controlling the game and creating a number of chances but they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Antonia B was suerb throughout and was awarded player of the match.
The U12 girls, playing in their first ever school hockey match, had a great day with the A team getting off to a winning start with a great 5 – 0 win . Penny A and Arabella C were the Players of the match.
The U12’s B team kicked off their season with an exciting game. The team had a challenging first half with many chances on goal but struggled to beat the excellent Kings GK and find the net. They demonstrated growth and teamwork through the game and in the second half their efforts paid off with three fantastic goals from Emily B, Neve A, and Olivia C. Harriet B, playing as goalkeeper for the first time did a fantastic job and earned herself the player of the match accolade.
The final score 3-0. A brilliant way to start the season, well done to all the players.