A busy and productive week on the sports pitches

U9 Boys Football v The Elms & Abberley Hall

On Tuesday the U9 boys enjoyed another fantastic afternoon of football on the bottom field at Hawford as we entertained sides from The Elms and Abberley Hall. Again, the Hawford boys impressed with their eye-catching style of possession football, built on a foundation of solid passing and moving and effective decision-making when on the ball. We were able to dominate possession and create lots of outstanding chances. Unfortunately, the luck was not always with them and several of these chances narrowly missed the target, with others hitting the woodwork or being miraculously saved by the goalkeeper and strong defensive blocks on the line. Despite this, the boys continued to work hard and managed to secure the goals that they deserved. We were especially impressed with the intelligence in possession of Henry K and Jude R, the strong wing play of Elliot C, a fantastic strike from George C and a Player of the Match performance from Finn MP in goal, who pulled off a string of fantastic saves.

U11 Boys Football v Abberley Hall

The U11 boys football squad travelled to Abberley Hall on Wednesday afternoon and produced one of their strongest performances of the term so far. The boys flew straight out of the blocks and impressed with their high energy press from the first whistle. It wasn’t long before Jack M made the pressure count by converting the first of his hat-trick of goals. He showed great pace and awareness to run on to a through ball and slot comfortably beyond the goalkeeper. Despite Abberley working hard out of possession, the Hawford boys continued to pile on the pressure and some excellent tackles from Hudson M and Khaleefah GF in midfield enabled us to regain possession and increase the lead through further goals from Jack, Khaleefah and an own-goal from a Hudson cross. The boys worked really hard in the second half to protect their lead and it was great to see Oliver B, Barnaby B and Sartaaj G making super decisions whilst controlling possession of the ball. Freddie P and Freddie M were constant goal threats throughout the second half and, despite an Abberley fightback, Jack M wrapped the game up by completing his hat-trick late in the match. Another solid display in defence from Max M and, player of the match, Johnnie T helped to set the tone for an excellent team performance.

U9 Netball V Abberley

On a Tuesday afternoon we saw the sun finally climbing out of the deep well of winter as King’s Hawford hosted Abberley in a game of Bee Ball Netball. Excited to be playing a home fixture, the girls were ready to demonstrate new skills in a game situation. They did not disappoint. Millie B did outstanding work in Centre court, offering continuous support to the defence and attack. Elizabeth and Jess had a fantastic game, showing off versatility in their positions.

With the Bee Ball rules it can be challenging to switch from an attacking to a defensive position after only six minutes of play, but Isa MP and Thea picked up numerous interceptions and kept spirits high. Lily, Chloe and Pippa P had great movement in and out of the shooting circle and showed off some great dodging skills, really pushing their defenders around the court.

Games such as this one are fantastic opportunities for the U9s to stretch and improve their game play. We thank family and friends for coming to support the team. Player of the Match was awarded to Millie B and coach player went to Jess K.

U11 Netball V Abberley Hall

The surprising appearance of sunshine during the day had the girls in high spirits for their home match against Abberley. This was to be King’s Hawford’s first competitive game of seven-a-side netball, playing to the All England Netball rules. We do not have to follow rotations and it is the coaches’ choice as to which positions the girls play throughout the four quarters.

From the starting whistle, we appeared strong, scoring within the first minute of play. Exploiting our opponents’ mistakes and using possession profitably, we began to show our dominance. Erin and Issie were a force to be reckoned with in the shooting third and were patient in their play.

Blythe worked exceptionally well at Centre, moving around the court and providing opportunities to the attacking players and supporting the formidable defensive trio of Poppy, Arya and Isla. Holly, Rose and Harriet were on their toes, dodging in and out of the opponents to get the ball to our attackers.

As the game progressed, our skill and teamwork allowed us to take control and dictate the pace of the game. Our accurate and incisive passing, on which we have been working in club and lessons, was exhibited throughout the game.

It was great that the whole team was contributing and happily playing in the positions asked of them, with no complaints when off for a quarter, giving someone else the chance to play.

It’s fair to say that all of the hard work in training is leading to improvements. Player of the Match was awarded to Erin and coach player went to Issie and Blythe.