Our U14 girls’ hockey team have recently returned from a tough but inspiring tour to Paris, competing in no less than nine matches in four days!
Our Under 14 hockey girls have just returned from a sports tour to France. Many thanks to Miss Odlin for providing the report below:
Bonjour, j’adore le hockey! As I write this, a group of 20 weary but cheerful Under 14 hockey players are travelling across the lush fields of France on Eurostar returning back to the UK. Four days, nine hockey games, 180 hours of hockey, 18 warm ups and cool downs and a multitude of cuts, bruises, sprains, and a touch of sunburn.
This was no ordinary hockey tournament, this was one of the most competitive Under 14 girls’ hockey tournaments in Europe. Saint Germain Hockey Club hosted 12 girls’ teams from across Europe, including English representatives Bloxham School! Upon arrival after a late night journey it was clear the standard of hockey was going to be extremely high. Not to be phased, Bloxham started the tournament with some fine energy, however, were quickly found out by going down by two consecutive goals in the first five minutes. Skill, fitness and marking started to come together and the team were able to put pressure on the opposition before the final whistle. The second game saw better focus and decision-making throughout the team, with the forwards connecting well with midfield. Another lapse in defending saw the opposition find the goal three times before Bloxham were able to get the ball into possession. In the evening the team were treated to a cultural trip of the River Seine through the centre of Paris before heading to bed for a well-earned rest.
The second day proved to be far more challenging, with four games stretching from 10.00am to 7.00pm. The first game saw a fine start from Bloxham, with Ella Mae and Siena linking up well on the left side of the pitch. A superb run by Iona produced the team’s first goal of the tournament. Unfortunately, the opposition found their stride and were able to answer with two goals before Bloxham could take a breath, just before the final whistle.
The next game was to be a very challenging game against hot favourites (and eventual tournament winners) Amsterdam. With the promise of a McDonald’s for a win the group produced one of the most resilient and determined performances of the competition. Superb saves from goalkeeper Cor, incredible short corner running from Iona and clearances from Carrie frustrated the Dutch champions for 16 minutes, until the deadlock was finally ended. Some impressive reverse stick strikes from the talented opposition duly won the game. This second game of the day produced some better passing out wide with both Immys linking up well. However, connections and out letting became limited as the previous game caught up on the team. The opposition were able to capitalise on a few errors and produced two goals before the final whistle.
The third game of the day was against a much weaker opposition than the previous teams. The Bloxham team started very brightly, however, a more physical presence from the opposition and some tired defence saw two well-worked goals for the Dutch team. Fresh legs from the substitutes saw Tily produce her trade mark one-handed wonder sprint down the right hand side of the pitch. Pressure mounted from the forwards with Immy and Lizzie creating space in the D and Tily was on hand to slot in a cross and score. A final goal from the Dutch team ended the match 3-1 but it was a credible performance from the team.
From the results of the two days the team were through to a runners up competition and found themselves against a German team called Bonn. The team fancied their chances with Bonn also having lost all of their games. The team started off with a less than convincing start. Conceding a scrappy goal saw the girls wake up and start to produce the hockey that they had been playing throuhgout the rest of the tour. A fine run through the middle from Siena created three quick shots at goal from Lottie and Lizzie that were impressively saved. End to end action caused several break away attacks for both teams and, despite Bloxham having more chances, the result remained 1-0.
The final day arrived and Monday saw an early 9.00am game. From an evening disco the night before and 48hours of sun, the team were less than awake through much of the warm up but soon found themselves playing against another tough opponent. Several key substitutes were able to provide additional cover, with Amy and Ione (the most improved player), stepping up to the challenge and producing some fine defending. However, an unfortunate lapse in concentration saw the ball come through the middle and gave an easy goal to the opposition. Minutes later the team saw another goal from an unmarked player in the D and the team saw themselves on a familiar 0-2 score line. With limited rest, the team were reminded of key connections from out letting and patterns of play. The home side, Saint Germain, proved themselves to be a skilful side and tricky opposition. However, some brave defending from Gwyn, Ella Mae and Lily made it hard work for the French side. Again, tired legs and missed passes gave chances for the opposition which were slotted home and a heavy defeat drew a conclusion to the game. With the final game of the tournament on the horizon, the team had one last chance of a positive result, facing ‘previous opposition Bonn. The team made a positive start from the midfield with the players’ player, Siena, controlling the play through the middle and Bloxham’s Player of the Tournament, Ella Mae, working hard on the left. Several interesting decisions from the umpire increased pressure on the Bloxham defence and Bonn eventually broke through with a goal. Bloxham worked tirelessly and every player gave it their all but the final whistle fixed the result and ended the girls’ tournament campaign.
Throughout the tournament the girls were able to match and compete with many very talented junior teams. They worked hard, continued to learn from each experience and I was truly impressed with their resilience and determination, supporting each other on and off the bench. The tournament organisers made particular note of the team spirit and fair play and awarded the team the Fair Play Award, so we did not return empty-handed!
My thanks go out to Sophie Heathcote who was manager, physio, therapist, organiser and translator throughout the tour (and that was just for me!).
Well done to the girls, they are very special group of players and I foresee great things for this group.