Ratcliffian 2016 (LOWRES)

SPORT
BOYS’
HOCKEY
1st 2nd 3rd U15A U15B U14 U13A U13B U12
PLAYED 10 6 1 8 3 7 6 2 6
WON 6 3 0 5 0 3 6 0 4
DRAWN 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 2 1
LOST 3 2 1 2 3 1 0 0 1
1 st XI
The first team had a pleasing season this year. They worked
incredibly hard on and off pitch and, at times, played some
outstanding hockey. The opposition were usually limited to
a handful of chances, which is testament to Harry Redding
in goal and the defence of Chris Curnick, Tom Bramble
and Harry Stokes, skilfully marshalled by Sam and Jack
Nightingale. The work-rate and energy in midfield were
outstanding through Harry Antill, Richard Ward, Matthew
Ward, Ben Pole and Captain, Joey Higham. Up front,
Carrick Anderson, Declan McAuley and Jack Watson created
an array of chances, and while the goals scored this year
have come from all over the team, it has been the forwards’
great leadership that has made this achievable. This is a
very talented side and it would be a massive achievement if
next year’s first team could pick up where they have left off.
Mr D Willcock and Mr S Hunter
2 nd XI
The second team had a mixed set of results, and many of
their performances deserved better. The team was well
led by Captain and top goal scorer Seb Dewhurst, ably
assisted by Vice-Captain Niall McWhir. Niall led the defence
well, with help from senior goal keeper Toby Smith, whose
attitude was exemplary. Harry Heaney, Ben Dexter, Harrison
Grimmett and Billy Kaul all helped Toby and Niall defend
well as a team, while also helping set up a number of good
attacking opportunities. Kasey Newby stepped into a central
midfield role to help us switch the play more consistently,
also feeding the ball to creative players Seb and Josh
Macqueen. Attacking flair and some well-worked goals also
came from the likes of Alex Keay, Jack Vinall, Max Wheeler,
David Hippisley-Cox, Joe Jarvis and Sam Bird. I look
forward to seeing how they develop next year, with some,
I am sure, stepping up into the first team.
Mr P Gilchrist
3 rd XI
The Third Team suffered defeat against a very strong Oundle
side in what turned out to be their only game this year, as
the rest were unfortunately cancelled. Ratcliffe took an early
lead, finished off neatly by Philip Gyesi-Appiah. However,
from this point on, the game was dominated by Oundle who
completed a comfortable victory. There are a lot of hardworking
players in this team and they train fantastically well
during games lessons. It would be great to see this group of
players continue to develop and force their way into second
team in the future.
Mr D Willcock
U15A XI
With three convincing wins in the opening
three games, the U15A team started their
season with conviction. Off the back of
a 9 – 0 win against Hill House in their
opening game, the boys played with
confidence, securing a good away win
at Wisbech, then doing the same when
Worksop visited Ratcliffe. The weekend
after was the low point for the boys, recording their only losses
against a strong Oundle side and then a much improved
Worksop side. They recovered the following weekend by
beating King Henry’s, and remained unbeaten for the rest
of the season. Alex Purcell and Seb Cooke were our standout
players and, at times, Matt Lindley and Toby Snell also
displayed considerable desire and talent. On the whole, the
boys improved through the season as a team and individually.
Mr S Yassin
U15B XI
The U15B team, led by the dynamic duo of Louis Massarella
and Jamie Egglenton, possess some of the most enthusiastic
individuals this year. Their opening fixture was against
Wisbech, and it was to be an exciting start for the boys.
An outstanding performance from Matthew Garcia was not
enough to win against strong opposition. Our goal in this
2 – 1 defeat was scored by Louis Massarella. In our
following game, against Worksop, we were 3 – 0 down at
half-time. The second-half was a different story, however,
as the boys created countless chances and were unlucky
not to score. In their last game, the boys lost narrowly to a
competitive Loughborough side. It has been a rewarding
experience for all involved in the U15B games this season.
Mr S Hunter and Mr A Johnson
U14 XI
The U14 boys had a frustrating start to the season, with
results not always going their way. They are a large and
relatively talented squad who show enthusiasm for the game
and some decent skills, with no weak links in the team.
However, there are also no real superstars, which means they
rely heavily on their team work. They worked with excellent
spirit which resulted in clear improvements over the term.
The highlights of the season were the 5 – 0 win over King
Henry’s, a 3 – 0 win over Princethorpe and a fantastic local
derby win against Loughborough Grammar. Few players
really stood out from the crowd, with the team playing well
as a unit, but Will Westwood deserves a mention for his
tireless work up front, while Oliver Welch in the central role
displayed moments of real quality.
Mr E Woodcock
U13A XI
All successful teams need talented
individuals. The secret of success,
however, with the U13 Hockey team
was the depth of talent in the Year
group. It is not just that this team win
their games, but it is the style and
teamwork that they show in doing so.
The side dominated the Leicestershire ‘In
2 Hockey’ Tournament, comfortably winning all their matches,
including the final by 8 goals, and not conceding any along
the way. This meant qualification for the Midlands Finals in
which they finished runners-up, losing narrowly to a strong
Trent side. However, this was enough for them to qualify for
the National Finals for the first time in Ratcliffe’s history. The
Midlands Final was the first game they had lost this year,
and it spurred them on to refocus and finish an incredible
3 rd at the Nationals. It would simply be unfair to single out
any individuals, as some would undoubtedly feel missed
out. Suffice to say, the squad for the Midlands and National
tournaments was Will Oswell, Joseph Stamp, Krishnan
Jivanji, Archie Heaney, Finley Back, Tom Page, Captain Owen
Lloyd, Harry Cusack, Alex Tyszka, Connor Foster and James
Turner. Many congratulations to Captain, Owen Lloyd, on his
selection to represent England U15s.
Mr N Taylor
U13B XI
The depth of talent in the U13s is best shown with the strength
of the B team, where Year 8 students are joined by the best
of Year 7 who are not playing ‘A team’ hockey. It is such a
shame that this side has had limited opportunities to showcase
their talents, as they are actually able to give the U13A team a
good game! In their two games this season, they were held to
a 1 – 1 draw against a well organised Wisbech side, with the
same result against Princethorpe.
The boys dominated in both their
games but, in their desire
to attack, were also susceptible
to the quick break.
Mr N Taylor
U12 XI
The U12s were committed and
enthusiastic participants. As
a result, both individuals and
the team as a whole, made
significant improvements. They finished second in the County
Tournament, drawing 2 – 2 with Loughborough Grammar in
an excellent game and winning all their other games, only to
lose out to Loughborough on goal difference, which earned
them progression to the Midlands Tournament. Ben Jackson
was fearless in goal and, frustratingly for Ben but good for
the rest of the team, often had little to do in matches. Wilson
Lee and Elliott Lindop marshalled the defence superbly and
Alex Dring and Xavier Henderson were two of the most
improved players. In midfield, Captain Xabier Xanotti, Guy
Heywood and Louie Fletcher linked very well with the wide
players, enabling the likes of Jacob Storey, Sam Linnett, Ethan
Bruiners, Ethan Chapman and particularly Roman Carpenter
to attack effectively from the wings. Rajen Gupta, Will Wright
and Ollie Howard provided a cutting thrust up front, and Ollie
and Louie provided a real threat from some well-worked short
corner routines. The excellent attitude and effort shown by all
bodes well for the future.
Mr M Kaye
Mr D Willcock
SPORT
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