This was a season of hard work and improvement in
the boys' game. Slightly disappointing statistics reflect
the fact that we were at times playing older teams or
those from bigger schools, but each team had its own
particular successes.
In a transition season, the 1st XI played attractive, attacking
hockey with guts and determination, with all members of the 16-
man squad playing their part. Highlights were wins over Millfield,
Sherborne, Queen's, Wellington and Clifton. This is a young squad
whose progress we watch with excitement.
Four impressive victories were achieved by the 2nd XI, over
Blundell's, Taunton School, Sherborne and Wellington. Throughout
the season the defence usually held firm, thanks to consistent
marking by captain Hamish Manger and skilful anticipation by Ed
Gibb, Jamie Wilde and Blaine Tottle. Zach Spiers in goal grew in
stature and saved many a goal. Meanwhile, in attack, the finishing
skills of Sam Underdown, Kristian Willmott and Jamie Shapland
often proved too much for the opposition.
The 3rds had an exciting season, finishing with a well-deserved win
over Clifton College!
The Senior Colts A had an outstanding season, and we played
2nd and 3rd XI teams too, reaching the semi-final of the county
cup. The Senior Colts only lost one game in the Independent
Schools Hockey League, and had notable results against Millfield
(winning 5-0 and overturning a 5-2 loss the previous year),
Taunton School (3-0) and Sherborne (3-2). Top goal scorer was
Bradley Lynch, with 10 goals.
The Senior Colts B played some determined, though rarely
fluent, hockey, often against 4th teams comprising much stronger
Sixth Formers. Will Knill always looked dangerous in attack, often
representing both B and A teams in one afternoon. Captain George
Willis was leading scorer, and Ben Madge, Duncan McLeod and
Oliver Rees were all awarded Man of the Match awards for dogged
efforts in defence. Raj Matharu regularly made the difference
between victory and respectable defeat, or worse. Some of our best
play came against Canford 3rds, where, despite losing heavily (7-
0), we managed to keep things goalless for 15 minutes and then, for
all but 1 goal, for the second half.
The Junior Colts A were individually a very talented team but
they struggled early in the term in defence and midfield. However,
as the season went on there were vast improvements in all areas
of the team. Cameron Souter-Frost produced a number of Man of
the Match performances in goal, and James Clark, Sam Everard and
Ed Himbury played at a higher tempo and with more energy. Up
Boys' Hockey
By Clare Hayes
Sport
Ed Denton with the 1sts
Ed Keeling takes the ball for the 1sts
Ollie Gibbon for the U14s
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