In a commanding performance, the U16 team clinched a decisive 5-1 victory against their rivals Stockport Grammar with an impressive display of great hockey and now progress into the 3rd round of the National schools U16 Cup.
From the outset, the team showcased their attacking prowess, with a flurry of goals that demonstrated their offensive capabilities. The scoring opened early with Anna V finding the net and setting the tone for a dominant display which saw us go into the break 2 – 0 ahead.
While the scoreboard reflected a comprehensive win, the opposition put up a commendable fight. They boasted several quality players who managed to create opportunities throughout the match. However, the U16 team's defense remained resolute, expertly nullifying their attacks thanks to great defending from all the team. The goalkeepers were particularly impressive, making crucial saves that denied the opposition any chance of a comeback. A hat-trick of goals from Anna V, two goals from Charlotte L and a player of the match performance from Sophia M in the middle of the pitch were highlights of the game.
Overall, it was a fantastic team effort, with standout performances in both attack and defense, ensuring a well-deserved victory for the U16 squad.
AKS U14 hockey team continued the cup success and joined the U16 team in the 3rd round of the National Schools Cup with a hard fought win against Altrincham Grammar school for girls.
AKS U14 got off to a slow start and Altrincham capitalised to win some attacking corners in the first 5 minutes but good defending kept the scores level. We gradually started to play with more confidence and pass the ball more efficiently and a good passage of play saw Emily F go close. Lifted by this we continued to push forward and were rewarded when Gabby H- S found the net to take us in to the lead. Altrincham were always dangerous and were back on terms only 3 minutes later and at half time the scores were level. The second half saw us start with greater confidence and enjoy more possession and we started to play our passing game and went ahead when a Camilla W pass found Alyssa W in the circle and when her shot rebounded off the post she was first to react to force the ball over the line to take us in to the lead. Altrincham immediately lifted their game and put us under pressure but great defending from Lauren M and Emily F along with sound goalkeeping from Jenay G kept us ahead. With the result still in the balance and Altrincham always a threat nerves were settled when Alyssa W scored her second goal to make it 3 – 1 after a great pass from Emily F. Altrincham were still dangerous and focused defending from all the team ensured they did not find the net again and the final score was 3 – 1 and we head into the 3rd round and the next challenge after half term. Player of the match was Gabby H-S for her driving runs down the right wing.
The first XI just failed to make it a hat-trick of cup wins as they narrowly lost to Stonyhurst in the last minute of the game! It was a game that saw both team defences on top with chances at either end hard to come by. Captains Jess A and Danni H led by example with their tremendous efforts, Jess in her tireless running up and down the pitch and Danni with her great saves in goal. The team worked hard but often the final pass failed to find its target and our efforts were thwarted and late on in the game, after several attacking corners Stonyhurst finally broke the deadlock, picking up a rebound off the keeper to slot home to take the win. Overall a great effort by everyone and we bow out of the cup with heads held high.