Sports Reports
Week Ending Friday 10 March
U12 Hockey Backwell School, Tuesday 7 March: Sidcot 0-0 Backwell
This was a good team performance from our girls – in a game played with enthusiasm and good spirit.
The game was evenly contested and both defences were put through their paces. Ella Hicks-Hurley, making her debut in the Sidcot goal made a couple of super quick reaction saves and really did well to prevent a Backwell goal.
Sophie Lee worked hard in the midfield – both assisting with attack and shoring up the defence. Our attackers also worked hard to create goal-scoring opportunities.
There were, again, good performances from all – well done.
Player of the match: Ella Hicks-Hurley
Rosie Bellinger
PE Faculty
U13 Hockey v Backwell, Tuesday 7 March: Sidcot 1-0 Backwell
A short sharp game was played against Blackwell on Tuesday. The girls were determined from the start and new they had to try and score quickly to maintain their winning streak. An early through ball from Sofia in defence was collected by Ana who nimbly drove to the D. There were several attempts at goal between the forwards and the ball ended up being caught in the goalie's kickers. This resulted in a penalty corner. Lottie hit the ball out hard to Ana who neatly passed it back where Lottie had space on the left post to slot the ball in behind the goalie. This was a great start for Sidcot and Backwell immediately fought back with some great passing and were pressing our defence. Sofia, Esme and Ruby remained strong and tracked their opponents well preventing them for having too many direct strikes on goal.
In the second half the play was fairly even again with both teams having periods of attack. Mia had a chance near the left post again, from a shot from Lily at the top of the D. Izzy was under quite a lot of pressure towards the end of the game making a couple of good saves kicking the ball clear of the attackers. The girls began moving off the ball, creating space for the ball to be played into. The forwards linked together well and Ana picked up some good long balls near the D to put the opposition under pressure, but the score stayed the same in the second half.
Player of the match: Isabelle Fawcett
Mary Dowds
PE Faculty
U14 Hockey v Backwell School, Tuesday 7 March: Sidcot 0-0 Backwell
This was a somewhat short but fiercely contested match, which proved close and exciting despite the score line.
In what were some fast exchanges of play, Sidcot had the upper hand and were unfortunate not to score – several attempts were struck just wide. The girls won a number of short corners but were unable to convert despite trying several different options.
Backwell also had opportunity but our defence held strong and all attempts were repelled.
Fine efforts by all – but a goalless draw prevailed!
Player of the match: Freya King
Rosie Bellinger
PE Faculty
U15 Netball v Backwell School, Tuesday 7 March: Sidcot 10-37 Backwell
Backwell always provide strong opposition and this match was no exception. Sidcot started well with Yasmin Sluijmers providing excellent circle edge support against a prominent defence. When Sidcot got the ball into the shooting pair the goal was converted, but unfortunately Backwell’s exceptionally strong attack found their way into the shooting circle more frequently.
At half time the score was 7-18 to Backwell. Gretel Havercroft fought successfully for every centre pass, but moving the ball through the next phase proved difficult. Throughout the third quarter the wings again showed how in tough games like this they really earn their place. Despite tireless work by Lucy Chen at WA, Backwell’s watertight defence meant the ball was turned over more than it found its way into the shooters.
The score line suggests it wasn’t Sidcot’s day but the ladies should be proud as they competed to the final whistle. We look forward to the next fixture.
Player of the match: Gretel Havercroft
Liz Hawkins
PE Faculty / Science Technician
U16 Netball v Backwell School, Tuesday 7 March: Sidcot 6-18 Backwell
After the first quarter and with the score at just 2-1 in Backwell’s favour, this game could have gone either way from the quality of passing and movement being displayed from both teams. Opportunities to score were scarce due to the cold wind swirling around the court, but eventually it was Backwell who adapted the quicker to the tricky conditions.
As the match progressed, the Backwell team began to find better rhythm, moving the ball at great speed and accelerating quickly into space. This resulted in them enjoying long periods of possession, despite the valiant efforts from the Sidcot girls to keep pace with them. When the Sidcot team did have ball in hand they more than matched their opposition in moving the ball through the court and looked at times very comfortable in their passing.
Unfortunately, Backwell appeared far more tenacious and utilised their speed to great effect, especially in the attacking third creating many good opportunities in which to score under the posts. The final score was disappointing, but the girls rallied hard and demonstrated great team spirit throughout the whole match.
Player of the match: Vivian Chan
Sue Taylor
PE Faculty
Weston & District Netball v Yatton, Wednesday 8 March: Sidcot 37-29 Yatton
In this penultimate game of the season, Sidcot put on a truly gritty and determined performance to overcome their extremely competitive opponents in Yatton. Earlier in the sesaon Sidcot lost out to this team by just three goals and so were intent on reversing the deficit, knowing that this was a game they should and could win.
From the first whistle the physicality on court was immediately evident, but the girls were more than robust and did not allow it to interfere with their normal free flowing netball. Frida Cardale especially experienced a torrid time against her opponent, but Frida’s greater athleticism enabled her to outwit her WD to make her usual valuable contributions within the mid court.
Everywhere on court the girls were pushed and harried, yet they kept their composure and showed great tenacity to utilise the little space they were given. Sidcot’s passing was of a high standard, especially when they were able to control the tempo of the game. Despite Yatton’s superior shooting consistency, the defence unit of Zoe Mercer, Vivian Chan and Sydney Drury held strong to restrict their scoring opportunities, whilst at the other end of the court Anouska Long, Maddy Hann and Charlotte Dolman enjoyed one of their best joint shooting percentages to keep the difference in the scores growing.
This was a very pleasing result for the girls, which sets them up well for their last game of the season next week against top of the league, Buccaneers. With all the squad invited to play, this should be an exciting and entertaining end to the netball season. The more spectators the better!
Player of the match: Mati Grove
Sue Taylor
PE Faculty