U11 Hockey v St Mary’s, Melrose

St Mary’s brought up a team to play our top two U11 sides today in what were cold but dry conditions. In the first game, Cargilfield Reds played some fast-paced hockey but took some time to break down the St Mary’s defence. Their goalkeeper was tested a few times eventually but stood firm and it needed some clever finishes from Hamish and Lochie to get the score board going. We looked to pass the ball around the back a bit too much and invited some pressure on ourselves but did exit from these situations well through David, Stuart and Oliver. Our passing was a little scrappy and panicky and we do need to work on passing around the opposition instead of through them. Monty was lively in midfield and looked to attack quickly but Geordie was man of the match for his very strong and calm way of dealing with situations at the back. Timothy had to be relied upon to make some excellent saves and we won the game 5-0.

Before the Blue team played the visitors, they played the Red team and although the Blues lost, the goals were breakaways from the Blues having much of the possession and pressuring their opponent’s goal.

The best display of passing hockey of the afternoon came when the Blue team took to the field against St Mary’s. The passing was crisp and with purpose as they looked to build up from the back and create 2 v 1s, moving the ball around. Blake played some nice balls out of defence to either his defensive partner, Wilf or straight through to Ethan on the right. Jamie’s pinpoint accurate shots at goal were into the corner, giving no chance to the keeper. Goal of the day was scored by Max who had swapped wings with Ethan in the second half. Ethan who was now on the left, turned and dropped the ball back to Arlo who fed the ball to Wilf; he looked up and spotted Max in space on the right and the right winger finished expertly, high into the net. Seb had to make some super saves but couldn’t do much about being exposed to a St Mary’s attack who managed to get a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the match. Wilf worked really hard for his team and shared the man of the match award with Arlo was full of energy and scored 4 wonderfully taken goals.

The boys have responded very well to instructions and in training are giving it their all. We can always improve but this was a really pleasing start to the term’s hockey. Well done, boys!