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Coach : Ian Pentecost

Match Report  5-10-08

Bromley &Beckenham U16          6       :      Old Williamsonians U16       4

OW’s under 16 team travelled to Bromley and Beckenham for their first match of the season. OW’s were expecting a hard game as B & B were renown for being a very disciplined and skilful team, with a considerable depth of squad of players to choose from. With the bare eleven OW’s went into the game with determination and confidence. However, B & B were unyielding and just as determined. OW’s contained a considerable amount of pressure but eventually B & B scored from open play, and soon added another two quick goals to their tally.

OW’s did not allow their heads to drop and pressed forward in numbers, eventually forcing a short corner. Ashley Pentecost swept the ball out to Tom Pinder and Pinder’s fine shot struck the backboard. This raised OW’s spirits as the half time whistle blew.

The second half saw OW’s coming out with new resolve. Tom Pinder and Ashley Pentecost created good attacking opportunities for Jacob Newman and Alfie Mason but the defence could not be penetrated. Nathan Tulpo and Alex Cairns thwarted a number of attacks by B & B, and Alex Gaul was able to make some effective runs through the B & B midfield and defence. But it was B & B that were next to score from open play.

OW’s stepped up their game and mounted a number of determined attacks, eventually winning another short corner. Again the ball came out to Pinder who danced around a number of B & B defenders before slotting the ball into the goal.

Play again went up the other end and B & B were able to snatch two goals in quick succession both from open play. Again OW’s fought back and mounted pressure on B & B, winning another short corner in the process: this time converted with the first shot – again by Pinder, giving him his hat trick.

OW’s fourth and final goal came in the last ten minutes of the game after some good two-touch play by a number of OW players. Alex Cairns’ pass found Josh Sullivan, who then slipped the ball to Nathan Tulpo. Tulpo’s intended pass to Jack MacDonald was intercepted but a determined MacDonald did not give up and won the ball back. MacDonald then ran into the circle, delivered a pin point pass to Ashley Pentecost, and Pentecost then struck the ball high into the net.

OW’s ended this game on the attack and, had there been a few more minutes they may well have reduced the deficit to just one goal. OW’s should be very pleased and encouraged by this performance, against a team packed with Kent players who were used to winning comfortably. Every OW’s player gave 100% and did not give up until the final whistle.

Team Line up: Laurence Claughton, Alex Cairns, Alex Gaul, Nathan Tulpo, Ben Stroud, Tom Pinder, Ashley Pentecost, Josh Sullivan, Alfie Mason, Jack MacDonald, Jacob Newman

Background.

Over the years OW’s have identified that their strength lies in developing the junior section of the club, and Sunday morning junior training is a feature of the club’s commitment to its own future as well helping local kids succeed in sport.

Due to the high attendance at OW’s highly successful Sunday youth training, the club has decided to field a boy’s U-16’s side which will be playing in the Kent Hockey Association U-16 League for the coming season.

OW’s U-16’s sides have performed well in the past, producing many quality performers who often go on to populate the men’s senior teams, and in some cases gaining county, regional and even international honours (see the Social Events & Club News section).

The importance of developing the youth teams is not lost on senior club members and this year the U-16’s will benefit greatly from the coaching abilities of 1st XI Captain Jeff Doust, whilst the management is in the capable hands of 2nd XI Captain Matt Lockwood.

Obviously there is always a need to recruit new players and anyone from school years 10 and 11, as at 1st September, will be most welcome to join junior training on a Sunday morning between 10am and 11.30am, held at the Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Rochester from 7th September onwards. All abilities are catered for. For further details please contact either Matt Lockwood or Ian Pentecost via the web-site mail address.

And finally, the club is always looking at ways in which it can further its efforts and commitment to its youth sides and therefore is considering sponsorship. Should you feel that you could contribute something to the development of local hockey please contact us via the web-site mail address.