County Cup Champions!

The U10 girls had a great day at Dean Close yesterday, winning the County Cup in quite convincing fashion, it was not without its dramas though. It was a great team performance and everybody in the entire squad of 10 should be very proud.

The girls put together some fantastic hockey in the group stages and were convincing winners in all of their games. The strongest test was to be their first game, coming up against Cheltenham A. After a slow start they gradually got into their patterns and eventually through patient play got their just rewards and came out with a 2-0 win. Linda and Amelia scoring the goals.

The win over Cheltenham gave the girls the belief they needed and put in a very dominant performance against Lansdown B. An impressive display in front of goal and open play from Lollie gave us some good early goals and we came out as 4-0 winners. Lollie scoring 2, Coco and Linda scoring one each.

Our next two games brought two very convincing wins, 5-0 (Jemima 3, Coco 2) and 6-0 (Amelia 2, Coco 2, Linda 1, Jemima 1). The opposition were never allowed to get into any patterns and their hunger to make sure that goal difference was in their favour proved to be the telling point. Good team work and playing for each other meant the opportunities were never squandered.

We then faced Lydney in our last game of the group stages. Keen to win the group the girls continued their efforts and put in another commanding performance, a 2-0 win with Esma and Linda converting the chances.

Whilst the defence had little to do both Nico and Lilly were confident in their play and contributed well to the team efforts.

We then faced Cheltenham B in the semi final. It a was close affair in terms of the score, Cheltenham put in some very brave defending and the girls had to really work for the win. Some very strict umpiring meant there was little flow to the game and the girls had to be patient. Eventually through the barrage of pressure Amelia came up with a timely winner and we were through to the final.

Lansdown A were the opposition and the girls were visibly excited for the challenge. Once again the girls put in a great team performance. All of the possession was with Cirencester and some strict umpiring meant the girls had to hang in there. An early short corner success eased the nerves (Katie). All of the possession was with Cirencester and Lansdown could not get it out of their half. With only a few minutes left Lansdown got a break away, the ball managed to get through the defensive line and a 1vs1 with the goalkeeper was well taken by the opposition. The first goal conceded all day and with only a few minutes left on the clock it was looking like penalties would decide the winners. On came the super subs to give some fresh legs and some new ideas and with 5 seconds left on the clock Lollie was in the right place at the right time and confidently put the ball away. The celebrations from the parents and children were fantastic, it really was such a great way to win the tournament.

Some very relieved coaches needed a couple of strong drinks when they got home. Both immensely proud of the the effort and commitment shown by all the girls in both teams. An achievement the club should be very proud of.

A special mention must go to Cora who was our GK. Only a few weeks ago she began training and has shown great dedication and sacrifice to go in goal for us. The improvement in such a short space of time is fantastic.