GIRLS’ SPORTS REPORTS 01/12/14

1st XI v Millfield        Lost 5-0
The girls played an in form Millfield team who showed the clinical skills necessary to put the game beyond Sedbergh’s reach by half time. Sedbergh defended in numbers but failed to hold their shape and allowed the Millfield centre back to thread long diagonal balls through the inside right channel and expose Sedbergh’s back three.

Three goals were conceded in this fashion and another by a drag flick short corner left Sedbergh 4-0 down at half time. Sedbergh did have three excellent breaks that should have resulted in goals but unfortunately the girls were unable to replicate their opposition’s clinical touch.  

After half time the girls held their shape and broke down Millfield’s diagonal balls resulting in a far more even contest which saw Millfield only scoring right at the end of the game. Again Sedbergh looked dangerous on the break but were unable to convert any of the half chances that came. A good lesson on a superb pitch.  MPS

1st XI v Wellington   Lost 3-0
Similar to the day before Sedbergh were unable to deal with the inside right channel as Wellington moved the ball crisply from back to front quickly turning defence into attack.

Sedbergh held strong for twenty minutes but eventually the pressure told as Wellington deflected in after a diagonal ball from the right side of the D and a short corner was converted to leave Sedbergh two down at the break.

The second half saw Sedbergh break the play up more effectively and Sedbergh did create several good chances only for the Wellington keeper to make three excellent saves. Wellington, however, continued to have more opportunities and eventually scored a third goal.

Hopefully, the girls have learnt some lessons and will use the experiences of this season to motivate themselves over the offseason to improve their all-round skills and come back next year both better players and a better team.  MPS

Under 16 North Hockey Finals 
v GSAL lost 7-0
v St Peters lost 3-0
v Arnold lost 2-0
v Hymers draw 1-1

After a powerful GSAL team put Sedbergh to the sword in the first game the girls regrouped and fought valiantly and without much luck for games two and three of the group stage. Annabel Tyser produced her best performances of the season at right back as time and again she prevented goals on the back post.

Joy Stanley in goal made plenty of good saves whilst everyone worked their socks off to gain some pride. Amy Mahon popped up at the back post to earn Sedbergh a draw in their final game.  This was an excellent learning experience for the girls, especially the nine U15 girls who will hope to go further next year in the competition. 

Under 16XI  v Millfield  Draw 1-1
A fine battling display from the team especially after playing four games at Leeds in the North finals the day before. Despite Millfield scoring first Sedbergh never gave up and eventually near the end of the second half Candice Dobson converted a slipped ball into the empty net after good work down the left by Molly Davis. A great battling team performance.  MPS

U16XI  v Wellington  Won 2-1
Despite looking the better team for most of the first half Sedbergh failed to convert possession and opportunities and found themselves 1-0 down to a deflected short corner just before half time. However the girls were unfazed and continued to play their style of hockey and eventually the opportunities were converted by Candice Dobson and Eliza Nelstrop to give the girls a fantastic end to their tremendous season.  MPS

Under 14XI  Millfield – Won 4-1
With the 14s having beaten most of the North they were ready to face the best in the south, and they didn’t disappoint. Sedbergh played some of their finest hockey all season and were lethal in front of goal, 7 shots resulted in 5 on target with 4 being goals.

A true team effort with everyone playing their part in a brilliant game. Millfield coach David Faulkner who until 2 years ago was England Men’s Performance Coach complimented the girls on such a fantastic performance and stated that Sedbergh were the best side they have played all year. Hopefully a great show of hockey in Sedbergh for years to come.  MWS

Under 14XI v Wellington  – Lost 4-0
A cold drizzly day not too dissimilar to Sedbergh weather saw the girls play with a lack of enthusiasm, speed and passion. Silly mistakes cost the girls dearly with all 4 goals being avoidable. This result was such a disheartening way to finish a brilliant season and the girls knew it. Upset and disappointment was etched all over the girls faces come the final whistle.  MWS

Senior netball v Millfield – Won 33-30
A tense game which finished with Sedbergh holding on to a win.  Yet again some outstanding defence from Harnby, Holdsworth and Linas saw plenty of ball given to the attacking end only to be turned over with poor ball placement or missed shots.  

The momentum shifted sides plenty during the game with the first and third quarter being Sedbergh’s strongest.  Scott returned to the 1st team following illness and performed well at C with Preston and Arnold sharing WA against a tough opposition, finding it difficult to access space at the top and pockets.  Russell continued to impress at GS with improving angles and strong space holding.  

The final few minutes saw Sedbergh trying to retain possession, they kept their heads under intense pressure to take the win, well done girls!  LS

Senior netball v Wellington – Lost 30-12
A jaded Sedbergh senior team saw us suffer a heavy defeat in the fog and drizzle of Berkshire.  Some flashes of brilliance saw us keep within touching distance in the first quarter but sloppy feeds into the circle coupled with a tall opposition saw us lose consistent centre passes throughout the next three quarters.  

Lack of intensity and basic errors saw the scoreline run away and it was a tired Sedbergh who finally finished the game.  Hebe Holdsworth worked hard in defence to make the opposition readjust their game and was our player of the match. LS

U15 Netball v Millfield – Lost 29-38
An overall great performance from the under 15s, who played a strong Millfield side. The girls started off strong converting their centres but a strong Millfield attack didn’t miss and with two turnovers, put them in front at the end of the first quarter.

Sedbergh went into the second half 5 goals down to Millfield, however unforced errors and basic mistakes made in the third quarter saw Millfield capitalise to take an 11 goal lead.  Showing stamina in the last quarter reduced Millfields lead to 9 goals with Sedbergh winning the last quarter 8-6, however not enough to take a win.

Overall a strong performance from the u15s against a very competitive Millfield side. Many positives and great sets of play to be taken from the game, with consistency and possession being two targets for their next match.  ATH

U15 Netball v Wellington – Won 28-26
A very cold wet day at Wellington made it hard for the Sedbergh girls to warm up and adapt their play. Cold hands and slippery surface saw dropped balls and slow movement from the Sedbergh girls giving Wellington a 9-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was still dominated by Wellington with Sedbergh giving away possession too often, going down by 6 at half time. Taking feedback from the Millfield match, the girls picked up their game in the third quarter with Sarah Long and Tabby Holdsworth backing up the attack and keeping possession.

This reduced the deficit to 4 goals going into the final quarter. With great composure from Shooters Lewin and Whitfield, Sedbergh took the lead with five minutes to go showing great stamina and composure defending and attacking as a team.

A great second half performance from the U15s with every player including u14s Lexi Whitfield and Elissa Baxter stepping up to perform. A great performance from WD Sarah Long, who showed consistency and stamina in both attack and defence.

Overall two good performances from a strong enthusiastic u15s team with great determination and progression throughout the two days. Great results, well done girls!  ATH

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