Hockey Team - Match Reports
U13's first win of the new season!
After suffering a defeat to King Edward's last season, the U13 hockey squad were determined to make amends this week, and they certainly did not disappoint. The team also welcomed several Year 7 newcomers, who quickly settled in and formed an excellent partnership with the Year 8 players, creating a fantastic team spirit throughout the tournament.
With mixed teams selected for a mini tournament, Friary started brightly. From the first whistle, goals began to flow, with Ethan H, Billy J and Zach M all finding the back of the net. Although King Edward's battled hard and managed to get themselves on the scoresheet, Friary continued to press forward and convert their chances. Across both teams and all games, Friary finished with an impressive total of 15 goals.
Team A showcased a superb partnership between Ethan H and Billy J, while Emily W was outstanding in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and preventing King Edward's from entering the attacking D. Her determination and tactical awareness were key to the team's success.
For Team B, Zach M produced a remarkable display, demonstrating skills that suggest a bright future in club hockey. He worked exceptionally well alongside Isaac W and Will G, with the trio causing constant problems for the opposition.
Defensively, Friary was equally impressive. Despite King Edwards' efforts, Frankie P, Archie B, Martha R and Isabella G remained resolute, making crucial interceptions, preventing goals and linking play with some excellent passing. The team effort continued across the squad, with Eva S, Millie A, Henry B and Beatrice W all contributing strongly through determined tackling and intelligent defensive passes, helping move the ball quickly up the pitch to support the attackers.
At the end of the tournament, Coach Fallows awarded the Players of the Tournament. Zach M deservedly received recognition for his outstanding goal-scoring achievements, while Emily W was rewarded for her exceptional determination, leadership and tactical understanding throughout the competition.
The U13s now look ahead to their next fixture after half term against Lichfield Cathedral. If they can reproduce the same level of teamwork, determination and quality shown against King Edward's, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with once again.
U16 Mixed Hockey Match Report: Friary vs King Edward's
The Friary U16 Mixed Hockey Team got their season underway this week with a tough fixture against local rivals King Edward’s. Despite a spirited second-half performance, Friary ultimately fell to defeat in a match that provided plenty of positives to build on for the weeks ahead.
Friary made a slow start to their first game of the season and, unfortunately, never really got going during the opening half. The team backed off the opposition too often, allowing King Edward’s far too much time and space on the ball. With an England player in their ranks, King Edward’s had a real game-changer who dominated proceedings and punished Friary’s sluggish start by scoring three goals before the break.
At half-time, Friary found themselves trailing 3-0 and in need of both an inspiring team talk and a surge of energy.
In true Friary fashion, the response after the interval was outstanding. The team came out with renewed determination and dominated much of the second half. Possession was largely played in Friary’s attacking half, with several near misses suggesting a comeback could be on the cards. The pressure eventually paid off, with Noah B producing an excellent individual display to score a second-half hat-trick and bring Friary right back into the contest.
With momentum swinging in their favour, Friary looked capable of causing an upset. However, a number of player drop-outs meant the squad had no substitutes available, and as fatigue began to take its toll, gaps started to appear. King Edward’s capitalised on these openings, adding two late goals to put the game beyond reach.
A special mention must go to Isabel B, who produced a tireless performance throughout the match. Tasked with marking one of King Edward’s key attacking players, Isabel worked relentlessly from start to finish, showing excellent determination, discipline, and work rate. Despite the challenges posed by a strong opposition attack, she never stopped battling and played an important role in helping Friary compete throughout the game.
It was also a memorable occasion for Natalie W, who made her debut for the U16 Mixed Hockey Team. Stepping up into her first match at this level, Natalie showed great composure and commitment, settling into the game well and contributing positively to the team's efforts.
Her attitude and willingness to work for the team were excellent, and this performance provides a strong foundation to build on in future fixtures.
While the result was disappointing, there were plenty of encouraging signs to take from the match. The character shown in the second half, the attacking intent displayed by the team, and Noah B’s superb hat-trick all provide a strong foundation as Friary prepare for their upcoming fixtures. If they can reproduce their second-half performance from the first whistle next time, there will be plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the rest of the season.
