Win for U11D Girls Hockey v Stamford Junior School - Wednesday 2nd December 2015

The Copthill "Dynamos" played Stamford Junior School on Wednesday 2nd December. Playing away, the girls took to the field with calm determination, refusing to let the pressure get to them. We transferred in Lea to be our goalie (thank you Lea!), and set up with Grace and Evie in defence, Charlotte, Georgie and Brooke in the midfield, and Alexa up front. Strength in depth meant we had two experienced players in Maddy and Lotte waiting on the sidelines to roll on after 5 minutes. The girls followed our tactical strategy to the letter (what a pleasure for any manager!) - Defence solid in the tackle, communicating well and covering each other - Midfield running themselves into the ground, safe in the knowledge that they would take a breather as we rotated on and off - Forwards pressing hard, and covering back once the ball was lost.

The game moved quickly from one end to the other, but overall I think Copthill had the best of the first half, and we were rewarded when Charlotte and Alexa engineered a break, and Brooke chased (and chased!) reaching the ball just in front of the Stamford goalie, guiding it into the bottom corner. A fantastic example to everyone not to watch the ball but to keep chasing it, even if you think it might be a lost cause! Half time. The players continued to rotate, adapting quickly to different positions and roles, keeping the teamwork strong. Numerous Stamford attacks were repelled by our defence or cut out by our midfield, and we came close to doubling the lead on a number of occasions. It was a nail biting last 5 minutes, so when the final whistle blew Copthill Dynamos were jubilant with the 1-0 result. 

A brilliant team effort - all the girls made telling contributions to the team and the result. You should be very proud yourselves. The plaudits go to Evie; who captained so confidently, and Players of the Match: Brooke and Grace – who both worked so hard, one to score and the other to defend. Well done!

Nick T (happy and proud manager..)