Sevenoaks Hockey Club’s U18 Girls travelled to local rival Canterbury for the quarter finals of the National Plate competition, undeterred by the snow and hail en-route. With A-levels looming for the older U18s, both sides fielded a young, largely U16 team.
The game began evenly with end-to-end play, including a solo run through from the defence by Tegan Peterson to net Sevenoaks’ first goal. The following quarter saw skilful and determined play by the opposition that tested the Sevenoaks defence on several occasions. Goalkeeper Ruby Massey put in some impressive saves to keep a clean sheet.
A penalty corner just before the half-time whistle saw a second goal for Sevenoaks with a straight strike from the top of the D slotted neatly home by Georgi Samuels.
The second half saw Sevenoaks capitalising on their lead as they settled into the game, with three great team goals put away by Laoise Nelson, Carlotta Kern, and Kelsey McKenna. Canterbury certainly had chances of their own, and the score line is a testament to the Sevenoaks’ midfield and defence.
A spectacular track back by defender Catherine Barwick dispossessed a solo attacking Canterbury forward that had broken through the Sevenoaks defence with clear line of sight on goal.
The game was played with great spirit from both sides, with the added bonus of clubhouse chips for match teas for both players and supporters alike.
Sevenoaks Sharks confirm place in South East Regional competition
Sevenoaks Hockey Club travelled with two U10 Girls teams to Folkestone Hockey Club, very excited to play in their first competitive hockey competition. A total of 15 teams had entered the Kent Cup, and Sevenoaks had two teams in the Cup Competition and one in the Development Competition – there was a sea of purple at Three Hills Sports Club!
Across the 19 matches played by Sevenoaks, the girls’ defence were on fire, working hard against some tough opponents. However, it was the midfielders and forwards who enjoyed the challenge scoring a plethora of goals. Reverse sticks goals and short corner strikes were just a few of the scoring options on the day. Sevenoaks Sharks led the Oaks tribe, unbeaten at this competitive Kent Cup.
Scoring 12 goals and only letting in two, resulting in a confident second place spot and securing a place at the South East Regional competition in April.
Sevenoaks Sharks, Lions and Cheetahs came away from the tournament having had a fantastic morning of hockey with the Sharks beaming from ear to ear with their silver medals!
