Superb results against Spratton Hall for Witham Senior Hockey and Netball Teams!

Boys’ Hockey:

Witham 1st XI wins 3-1

The long awaited first fixture of the season for the 1st XI was to be a tough one against Spratton Hall. The boys had prepared well and were certainly up for the game by the whistle. It was one way pressure from the start and Witham needed a goal to represent the dominance. A loose ball was poked home by captain, Harry Fountaine after quick reactions and certainly lifted the boys further. A fine counter attack just before half time put Matthew Betts clear who stroked the ball home to put Witham 2 up at half time. Spratton Hall had a point to prove and certainly came out firing in the second half. After conceding a fine goal to the Spratton midfield, Witham needed to secure the win and they did so with a fine individual effort from Ed Tattersall. He put away a rebound after some impressive individual skill which gave Witham a great result to start on.

Witham 2nd XI wins 2-0

The second team started their season superbly with a well fought win over Spratton. Witham came out the blocks really quickly and put together some really good phases of possession but could not make it count as we struggled to work Spratton’s keeper. Gradually, Spratton started to work their way into the game and put together some smart moves, working Alex Davies and our back four who held out well and refused to let their opponents score. As Spratton pushed for a goal in the first half, Witham scored a superb breakaway goal orchestrated and finished by Matthew Vaughan. In the second half things started to heat up as Spratton continued to push forward with wave after wave of attacks. Joseph Barrow and Axi Hobill had a fine game and used the jab tackle well and consistently thwarted the chances Spratton had in the Witham attacking area. With Spratton again pushing extremely hard for an equaliser, Witham managed to get another breakaway goal, finished superbly by Alexander Lambert, who ran hard the whole game. The final score was 2-0 and reflected the team’s superb organisation and composure in front of goal, well done boys!

Witham 3rd XI draws 0-0

Given a large amount of territory and possession the Witham boys may feel a little disappointed in not securing an opening game victory, but both sides had chances that were either spurned or well saved by their respective goalkeepers (well don Max Robertson on debut) and a draw was a fair result. With over half the side making their first appearance in a school hockey team the side could be pleased with their organisation and work rate, but recognise sharper skills, stronger stick work in defence and more effective passing will ensure progress continues. Well done.

Girls’ Netball

Witham U13A wins 13-5 

The U13A and B girls warmed up under the watchful eyes of their Captains; Emily Grace, Oriana Simmonds and Bella Cox.  Saturday was a very windy, cold, wet day and the girls knew they had to go on the court warm, if they were to play their best.  The Under 13As took the court and the determination in their faces to play their best was very noticeable.  Spratton Hall also got straight into their game and were passing the ball accurately, leading to accurate shots at goal.  Nerves started to show in the Witham attack and Spratton took an early lead 2-1 at quarter time.  The second quarter was certainly a different game.  Witham listened to the advice and picked up their game throughout.  Goal shooter Eliza Bradbeer, got her eye in and produced some fine shots at goal, which lifted the whole team.  The score at half time was 8-3 to Witham.  At half time, there were some changes to positions and again, Witham took time to find their feet.  Only one goal was scored between both teams in the third quarter, with a lot of passing and footwork mistakes.  At three quarter time, the score was Witham 9, Spratton 3.  In the final quarter there was everything to play for.  Witham played safe and steady and started to believe in themselves.  Some great shots from Emily Grace and Lilla Powell under pressure, led Witham to win 13-5. 

All players played some outstanding netball from Rose Barson’s very tight man to man marking, through to Oriana Simmonds’ flying interceptions, to Tara Lloyd’s marking and blocking to Rhianne Price’s consistent, accurate feeding down the court to Saskia Norton’s speed in both pass and in movement, finishing off with the flow in the shooting circle of Emily Grace, Lilla Powell and Eliza Bradbeer. It was truly a pleasure to watch under difficult weather conditions.  The future looks bright if the girls continue with such belief, determination and fantastic teamwork and spirit.  Well done girls!  Thank you to all our parents who supported the girls on a very cold afternoon.

Witham U13B draws 4-4

The U13B team entertained Spratton on a cold blustery afternoon. Both teams took time to acclimatise to the conditions.

Spratton defence consisted of 3 very tall girls who dwarfed Ella Dupree and Olivia Pepper but despite this Witham started well going up 3-1 at the half time point. However, in the third quarter Witham lost concentration and allowed Spratton to take the lead.

Immy Lee and Abbey Lloyd played with great determination in the defensive third not allowing Spratton to score any more goals. Good interactive play in the middle third between Millie Coward, Rosie Beddows, Bella Cox and Izzy Irvine meant that Ella was able to receive the ball near to the post enabling her to score the final goal to earn a well-deserved draw.

It was a very positive performance from the whole team against a physically much bigger side. A draw was a fair result.