Matches v Maidwell and Kimbolton on Saturday!

Boys Football v Maidwell

Witham Colts A loses 1-5

The Colts A season began with a disappointing result away at Maidwell.  Despite having the majority of possession and territory throughout the match, our inability to take chances - coupled with indecisiveness at the back - ensured Maidwell did not have to work particularly hard for their victory.  Nevertheless, there were many positives to build upon, such as the encouraging performance of substitute Jamie Garvin.  

Witham Colts B wins 4-0

The Colts B kicked off their 2012 season in fine style with a convincing 0-4 win over Maidwell Hall. The first goal came in the first half, a powerful strike by Alexander Anthony. Despite trailing 0-1, Maidwell kept the pressure on and keeper Toby Fowler needed to be alert. In the second half Witham really started to turn on the style. Excellent dribbling and passing skills were on display from Joshua Coulson who linked up nicely with the rest of the midfield. The pace of Leo Cox caused all sorts of problems for the Maidwell defence and he was rewarded with two fine goals for his efforts. In defence, George Darley was as solid as a rock with nothing getting passed him. The final Witham goal was a fabulous strike from George Goodson, a top corner goal! An excellent start to the season and an excellent team performance, well done boys!

Witham Colts C loses 0-2

This was a spirited seven-a-side game, and with the rolling substitutions, it was vital that the team retained its shape and the boys worked to maintain a strong positional sense. In the first half two goals were conceded but the second half saw Witham in the ascendency and unlucky not to square the game with two excellent strikes by George East that were unfortunately repelled by super keeping. Captain Finn Chatterton worked tirelessly as the link between the midfield of Will Larter, Oliver Simmonds and Fraser Hakney. Freddie Arlott supported George East in attack making some good runs. In defence George Davies, Isaac Barrow and James Holroyd tackled well and showed lots of determination. William Moore made his debut in goal for the first half and showed much promise; in the second half, Alexander Edwards took the gloves ensuring with some fine and fearless saves that Maidwell did not add to their tally. This was a very promising first game for the boys.

Witham U9A wins 5-0

Intelligent passing, unselfish teamwork and decisive finishing ensured a 5 – 0 victory for the Under 9A team. Maidwell battled bravely and made a game of it, and so the afternoon was competitive and enjoyed by all those who took part. Two goals came from unstoppable strikes from Toby Hanson, with William Chandler, James Tattersall and Joe Fox adding one apiece. Well done, Under Nines.

Girls’ Netball v Kimbolton 

Witham U13A  wins 20-6

The girls had a great pre match warm up, with everyone buzzing and ready for action.  Kimbolton are always a very tough fixture, with tall and strong players throughout.  A tall and athletic team arrived and Witham knew we had to give 100% over 40 minutes of play.  In the first quarter, it was tight.  The ball seemed to go from one end of the court to the other, with accuracy from both shooting circles.  The score at quarter time was 4-4 and Witham needed more to take the lead and take control.  In the second quarter, again, the play was equal.  Super shooting, great defence and the same number of mistakes made under pressure.  The score at half time was 7-6 to Witham and we were slowly gaining confidence.  The third quarter seemed to be the quarter where fitness kicked in.  Witham looked slick and fast against a slower Kimbolton team.  Accuracy from the Witham shooters gave Witham a good lead going into the final quarter.  Defensively, Witham couldn’t do any more – flying interceptions and great marking throughout.  The mid court work load was excellent and the final quarter was ours for the taking.  Again, the flow of play and the tactical set plays were a pleasure to watch.  Witham finished the game with an outstanding 20 goals to 6.  All players gave everything and it was a wonderful game to watch and umpire.  Well done to all girls and I am looking forward to continued progress and flair in the forthcoming games this week.  Brilliant!  Thank you also to our super Captains Emily Grace and Oriana Simmonds too, for their organisation, motivation and ‘will’ to win.  Thank you to all our parents for supporting and also to Miss Wells who came to support the girls and assist in the coaching and organisation too.

U13 Gates/Cox team v U13B Kimbolton wins 7-5

U13 Gates/Cox team v Kimbolton U12A  loses 4-10

On a bright crisp Saturday afternoon, Witham hosted Kimbolton U13A, B and U12A and B teams.  The Gates/Cox team played Kimbolton’s U13B team first.  The first half was closely fought with both teams scoring goal for goal with the score being 3-3 at half time.  In the second half Witham took control and the shooters were very accurate making the final score 7-5 to Witham.  All girls gave everything and it was a great team effort under the Captaincy of Frankie Gates and Arabella Cox.  There was some super defending again from Immy Lee  and the mid court play from Millie Coward, Aoife Judge, through to attacking players Ella Dupree and super shooter Olivia Pepper was the difference in winning and losing the game.  A great team spirit and a great team effort throughout!

The second game against Kimbolton’s very strong U12A side was a much more demanding challenge, which Witham knew it was going to be.  The game was played at a faster pace and the Kimbolton shooters were able to convert most of their chances under pressure, which was the difference.  The Kimbolton defence were very tall and it made it very difficult for our shooters to get the ball.  The final score was Witham 4, Kimbolton 10, which they deserved.

Overall, all the girls worked very hard indeed and contributed very positively to their teams performance.  Well done girls and thank you to all our parents who supported us throughout.

Witham U13 Irvine/Eatch Team v Kimbolton U13B loses 1-11
Witham U13 Irvine/Eatch Team v Kimbolton U12A loses 0-8

It was the first match of the netball season for a few of the girls and they were under pressure from the off with a strong side from Kimbolton. The girls had practiced hard and were ready with their set plays and centre passes. This organisation was no match for the Kimbolton side. 

The girls struggled to keep up with their opponents and to score goals when in the attacking circle. The girls kept their heads high and tried to keep up with the outstanding level but the match finished with a disappointing 11-1 win to Kimbolton. Well done to Izzy Irvine who never gave up and intercepted many a pass to keep the score down. Congratulations to Amiee Bankhurst for scoring her first goal of the season.

The day wasn’t over for the Irvine and Eatch team; after 20 minutes against the Kimbolton U12 A squad they then played another 20 minutes against Kimbolton's U13 B squad. The girls were determined to play at a higher standard, which they did. Ali Eatch played with excellent movement off the ball keeping the flow of the game going. Izzy had another fantastic half keeping her defending skills in action. Matilda Linney played very well dodging her opponent to receive a chance on goal - however was unlucky. 

The second match finished with a 8-0 loss to Witham.

Witham U11A v Kimbolton U12B wins 18-3
The scoreline indicates that this was an easy game – it wasn’t. It was hard fought all the way through against a physically taller and stronger team. The girls felt buffeted, athletically challenged and struggled with reaching high balls. However, they displayed admirable grit and determination, never giving up. There were some delightful passing sequences down the court from defence to attack although far too often these broke down and had to be re-started – once again sustained effort and focus saw the girls through with these repeated efforts to drive the ball forward to the shooters.

In the first quarter Eve Scott was superb, rarely missing a shot at goal, which gave the girls a platform for the rest of the game. In the second quarter the game became very tough with just two goals for and one against. In the second half the girls settled into more of a rhythm and gradually extended their lead. Ella Johnsrud was superb in the centre with countless interceptions; Isabella Simmonds and Felicity Bridges Webb were tireless in defence despite lacking some height; Sophia Ktori and Hattie Grace made a promising start to U11A team play. Well done all!