Easter 2010
BOYS’ HOCKEY
In well-nigh perfect conditions the U15 boys’ hockey team were beaten 4-0 on the astroturf by an accomplished Giggleswick side last night. The game started with both teams getting forward without creating chances in the D. Sam Woodrow, playing as the lone striker was sent through on two occasions during the first quarter, first by Firth and later by a clever pass from Wilcock on the right wing, but it was Giggleswick who broke the stalemate with a shot from close range after fifteen minutes. The two Year 9 players Dan Smith and Jack Walker played their part in defence alongside centre back Adam Townley, who had an immense first half, and Peter Bentley, who was a great loss after he had to go off after being struck by the ball just before half time. Will Pickles and Elliott Firth were linking well on the left and Davidson and Crosdale in midfield made telling passes but their forays forward were able to be snuffed out by the home team’s backs. In the second half Settle found themselves besieged and it was no surprise when Giggleswick scored their second, and whilst the visitors found themselves more able to work effectively on the plastic surface they were never going to match the ball skills of the home team, although they managed to hold their own and create chances through their games-playing abilities.
The game was valuable experience for the U15s, and several players proved themselves in the game, not least goalkeeper John Padley who had an excellent game and showed that he has all the requirements for success in the position.
The U14s were unable to emulate the efforts of the Year 10s, but there were some good individual performances on the evening, particularly that of James Laycock, who ran the game in midfield and demonstrated some good touches. Jack Walker managed to repeat some aspects of his performance for the U15 game, notably his passing, but to no avail.
Kirkbie Kendal U14s 36 - 40 Settle U14s
On a slippery pitch and playing into the elements in the first half, the U14s got off to a good start when Quintas went over to score close in from a clever crossfield kick from Walker. This was followed soon after as Walton scored and Settle looked to be in control, but mistakes in defence allowed Kendal to get back with two undeserved tries, and the lead was regained with a try from Walker, and Allsopp extended the lead before half time. Kendal showed much more resilience after the break and came back with three unanswered tries. Dakin scored to regain the lead, only to lose it again as the game see-sawed toward the home team. The game was decided only in the final minute when some good work from Marshall and Walton led to a ruck close to the line from which Batty was able to crash over to win it.
Settle U15s 6 – 2 Aireville U15s
Settle went into an early lead through a tap-in from Murray, who went on the make a hat-trick in the game. Davidson and Mcloughlin ran the midfield and enabled Settle to stay on top, and Thwaite’s impressive second half display set up several more chances. Pickles mobility more than made up for his lack of stature in goal and he dominated his area throughout, and whilst centre forward Woodrow did not get onto the scoresheet his intelligent passing and support play was invaluable in securing the result.