Reflections on the Junior Section Culture

As you will be aware, we have been considering our junior section culture. We set out our thoughts on our culture in the Oracle edition 63 (published on 15th December 2023) and then tested this across the junior section by asking parents to complete a questionnaire to give us their thoughts. You can see the results of the questionnaire here.

In general, we are pleased to note that the culture is widely supported by our members, although there are some comments made that we have noted and discussed at a meeting of all our age group managers and coaches.

The culture will be shared again as part of an annual induction process for all our stakeholders at the start of each season.

U18 Boys

vs Maidenhead - 4-2

Scorers: James Q, Billy, Bertie and Tom N

The U18 boys continued their Tier 2 league campaign in impressive style, with this victory taking Winchester up to second position. Since the restructuring of the regions, travel distances are much increased, and so it is a credit to players and parents alike that we can fulfil such fixtures. The game was a relaxed, fun-filled affair, with both sides intent on showcasing their attacking flair, and less so their commitment to getting back to defend. This was probably understandable given the lack of substitutes to take their turn.

The balance of play lay mostly with Winchester, although Maidenhead had several strong players who had the ability and age/size advantage over most of the Winchester boys. Oscar R, making his competitive debut in goal for Winchester, was impressive, especially given his recent conversion to goalkeeper. He certainly outplayed his opposite number and showed good promise as he starts out on his goalkeeping journey.

U18 Girls

EH Plate vs Havant - 5-1

Scorers: Amelie, Zara, Megan, Alice, Esther

The team started well with lots of pressure in the opposition half which was eventually rewarded with a goal by Amelie. After some good defensive play, Zara broke from her own half and scored a solo goal.

The second half saw Megan in the right place to lift a shot into the net. Havant had a few quick breaks and Chloe made some important saves, with the defence working well together. Eventually Havant did score but this was quickly followed by Alice scoring from a nicely executed short corner and a final goal by Esther. An excellent team effort and the team go through to the quarter finals.

vs Oxford Wildcats - 2-1 (28 Jan)

Scorers: Zara, Eva

The match got off to a great start with a quick run of play leading to a goal from Zara in the first two minutes. Then despite a string of short corners, the girls couldn’t score but continued to apply pressure in the opposition D and eventually a pass in from Alice allowed Eva to score, leaving them 2-0 at half time. Oxford started the second half much more determined and on a quick break after a Winchester short corner, they scored. The team rallied and played an excellent second half, with good runs of passing play and defending several short corners in the closing minutes.

U16 Boys

Tier 1 Supra-League Plate Knockout Vs Bath Buccaneers - 7-1

Scorers: Tom N (3), Thomas L (2), Bertie (1), Monty (1)

Having narrowly missed out on a Supra-League place, Winchester U16 boys have qualified for the Supra League Plate competition which runs as a knock-out cup through the second half of the season. This first round fixture has been eagerly awaited as the season restarts from its Christmas and January lull. We all know that this group of boys has tremendous potential, and during the first half of the season we saw glimpses of the team hockey that they are capable of producing, but frustratingly they haven't managed to deliver it consistently for a full 70 minutes. Until Sunday that is... this week, the quality and intensity was there right from the start, and lasted to the end, even after it was clear that the victory was secured.

Our biggest issue has been scoring the goals that possession and territory have warranted, and so this has been the focus of our training sessions for the last two months. The boys have worked hard to get themselves into the right positions to take advantage of final passes, rebounds from the goalkeeper and other close range opportunities, and have also taken time to perfect certain short corner routines. It was very pleasing, therefore, that many of the goals scored were close range efforts, which looked easy, but were the result of determination to get into dangerous positions.

The work rate generally was impressive. One of our out of possession principles "we all defend" was clear for all to see as Bath were unable to string any sort of play together in the face of constant harassment from our forward line and high midfield. Any attempts at long balls were well dealt with by our composed defence, and Finn was solid when called upon. Bath never really looked like scoring.

In possession, the boys found the ideal balance between retaining possession and going forward fast. The midfield had space to dominate and were able to move the ball quickly through to the forward line and then make support runs into the attacking third of the pitch.

Whilst the whole team contributed to this impressive performance, special mention this week goes to Will L, who was composed at the back and a constant threat with his aerial and long through passes, Ed S who made a remarkably composed transition to his new position in the backline, Tom "Lofty" N who had his game head on, and is unstoppable in that mood, and Thomas L who continues to show an impressive competitive desire and willingness to take on board coaching instructions and development targets.

U14 Boys

Bs vs Portsmouth A - 0-8 (14 Jan)

With good player numbers now available, U14B fixtures have started up with other clubs and they began with a very tough match against a strong Portsmouth A team, not surprisingly losing by 8-0. It was acknowledged from the start it would be a big gulf difference between the sides in age, physique and match play experience; most of the Winchester boys were Year 8 players playing in their first 11-a-side, full pitch match against a seasoned Portsmouth team containing many Year 9s. The known differences proved to be the case for the first 20 minutes or so, as the visitors romped into substantial lead. However, the Winchester boys were quick learners and they stuck to the game plan. Despite the goal setbacks they started some good patterns of play, winning lots of tackles and keeping good possession with some quality passing to get to the point when the goal flood was stopped, and the opposition had to then start to defend themselves.

The second half started with a stutter, but soon reverted to good possession play by both sides with the Winchester boys creating good attacking hockey with goal scoring chances. The visitors also attacked well and scored from a couple of short corners with strong shooting but generally were well matched by solid goalkeeping and thoughtful defending. With more games coming up the players will soon be able to compete on a more even basis as they gain more match experience. The many Year 8s on show will no doubt become the nucleus of a potentially strong A team for next season if the progress continues.

Bs vs Haslemere B - 0-6 (21 Jan)

A young and much changed team (including some U12 players) travelled to Haslemere, and soon settled into a well-structured unit to compete well in a very even first half with chances created at both ends. Haslemere just managed to score once to lead 1-0 at half-time.

Throughout the second half the young Winchester side largely dominated possession with lots of strong passing moves compressing the play for long periods into the hosts’ half. However, that led to their undoing as the hosts had reorganised their forward line at the break by placing a strong Year 9 player at centre forward and their play relied heavily on passing to him to break through on his own, often finishing with a 1-1’s with the keeper and managing to score on several occasions - very much against the general run of play. As hard as the Winchester players tried to score both from open play and short corners all their shots at goal were well covered by another strong Year 9 player in the hosts’ goal with some quality goalkeeping to keep them at bay.

U14 Girls

Tier 1 Supraleague Update

The U14 girls are in uncharted territory; having won an exciting end to end 1-0 play-off with Amersham and Chalfont at the end of November, the A squad are now in the T1 Supra League, mixing it with some of the most successful clubs in the country.

The first game in January was against a very strong Clifton Robinsons side and despite valiant defending and some great attacks the Winchester girls lost 3-1. The following week, Bath Buccaneers came to Bar End to be met by a team of determined, hardworking and gritty players, never willing to give up and who ran their socks off and a goal keeper not willing to concede this time round. Lara made some outstanding saves which kept Winchester in the game, and then Venne stepped up and took advantage of a rare Bath error to finish a well worked Winchester goal. Final score 1-0 to Winchester. After two games of five, Winchester sit in the middle of the supra league table with all to play for, and a very realistic chance of qualifying for the finals. They also continue their T1 cup run and are in the quarter-finals at the end of February.

Tier 2 South Central League Update

Not to be outdone, the Bs continue to perform well in the T2 South Central league. Their position isn’t reflective of how well they have been playing, but we have to remember they are the only B team playing in a league full of A teams. They have had three really positive results since Christmas, a 3-3 draw against Salisbury, a 4-1 win against Petersfield and a fabulous 2–1 against Cirencester which takes them into the quarter finals of the T2 Plate also at the end of February.

As vs Marlow - 3-0

The As travelled to Marlow for a friendly on Sunday. The Winchester girls were ready for a normally strong Marlow team and from the start were determined to use the opportunity to put training into practise with some great ball distribution and linked passes. The Marlow goalie seemed impregnable making some great saves to keep Marlow in the match. After the first quarter Marlow came out stronger and put the Winchester defence under pressure which was absorbed and the score remained 0-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Winchester started to work the ball around the D keeping the Marlow goalie busy and then a short corner resulted in the first Winchester goal, with a lovely tap in by Orla. Not long after, Venne slotted away a lifted ball over the keeper. Finally, Orla wrapped up the win with another goal near the end of the second half - 3-0 Winchester.

Great intensity from the Winchester girls and great progress as the team continue to grow and develop week on week.

Tier 2 Plate Bs vs Cirencester - 2-1

Winchester Bs went on the pitch with a clear focus and utter determination. They maintained constant attack throughout the game and were the dominant side, but were not able to convert this into goals. Meanwhile, Cirencester managed to get through our defence early on and scored. Numerous attacks against an (almost) impenetrable opposition goalkeeper eventually ended in the first goal, scored by Aggie. Further constant probing eventually paid off in the last four minutes with a goal scored by Annabelle. Finally, two short corners were conceded on the final whistle, but the whiff of shuffles was blown away by superb defending. This was a superb result and every player gave 110%. They should all be immensely proud of themselves.

U12 Girls

Division 1

Winchester U12 Girls Blacks played three teams in short 12 minute games at Ganger Farm. Alton were first up and defeated 1-0 with many chances missed; a comfortable win with Millie scoring. Next up were old foes Trojans at 0-0. It was a tight game from two great U12 sides; strong defence and super saves from Eleanor were key. Finally it was Salisbury; the Blacks showed both determination and strategic play patterns to take Salisbury apart with ease. Width, defending as a group, compressing the play and outcomes in the circle were all evident. Scorers were Melita (2), Millie and season top-scorer Emily getting on the scoresheet. Teamwork, endeavour and attitude won the day. Well done all nine players, you are a credit to yourselves and Winchester HC.

Division 2 North

Yellows got back to winning ways on Sunday with two convincing victories. The league match against Andover looked like being a close affair before four first-half goals in five minutes from the flying Sophia P transformed the game. After a brief flurry from Andover at the start of the first half, Winchester snuffed out any potential for a comeback, controlling possession with quality passing and movement to close the game out 7-2. In the second game against a competitive and physical Yately side, Winchester’s finishing, supported by some quality passing from Eloise in particular, was lethal. At the other end, despite some pressure, a very solid revolving defence, with Sophia T growing in confidence and skill behind them in goal, paved the way to a convincing 7-0 victory. Well done girls!

Division 2 West

vs Trojans B - 0-0

With no subs and with a number of our regulars unavailable it was a great opportunity for some of our younger players to shine. The girls held up well against a strong Trojan team, who were constantly attacking, winning many short corners. However, the defence held, and didn’t allow them the privilege of scoring.

Winchester managed a few great attacks, alas to no avail, but the girls played the field well, allowing plenty of space to get the ball up the sides. With no subs and tired legs, against a regularly changing Trojans team, the team should be proud of holding them to a draw.

Special mention to Emarra for player of the match, she definitely deserved it with some great play on the right wing.

vs Salisbury Kingfishers - 0-12

Although the score line suggests a whitewash, this was not the case. The girls never gave up and continued to attack with several shots at their goal, but Salisbury was superb with a very strong defence.

Sadly fatigue showed after the first match so getting back to defend was a struggle without the luxury of subs. Credit to the girls for never giving up and attacking to the last minute with heads held high; they were all superb.

Special mention to Anna for great goal keeping and player of the match, Annabel for being awesome, and to Eva and her sister for filling in at the last minute.

Minis - Under 8s

On Sunday 28th January we hosted Bournemouth, Southampton and three Romsey teams at Kings while fielding two full team of excited Under 8 players.

With one team finding their rhythm early and losing only one match all tournament the second team had a more mixed bag seeing some victories and some draws as well as a loss to a very strong Bournemouth side.

During a drizzly day it was so encouraging to see players coming together and putting into practice what they had learnt in training, especially passing. The next step is to ensure they are going for goal when possible and not always looking for the pass!

Next Tournament is at the end of February where we travel away to Southampton

WHC Oracle Edition 64