Portsmouth U10s got their season off to a flying start at their home festival, hosting teams from both Petersfield and Havant in what proved to be a fantastic morning of hockey. Although most of the Portsmouth U10 team were stepping up from U8s this season, any nerves quickly disappeared during the opening game, as Portsmouth picked up where they left off at the end of last season with flowing attacks and high pressure defending.

First Game: Portsmouth vs Petersfield (5-0)
Throughout the opening match, Portsmouth displayed impressive marking and pressing around the Petersfield shooting area, leading to several important interceptions and repeated opportunities to score. The team’s attacking prowess was matched by solid defending; whenever Petersfield managed to launch an attack, Portsmouth’s defenders responded with strong tackles and effective passes out of defence to neutralise any threats. The match ended in a resounding 5-0 victory for Portsmouth, with goals coming from Bea, Reuben, and a hat-trick from Max, including a couple of tidy reverse stick strikes.

Second Game: Portsmouth vs Petersfield (1-1)
The second fixture saw Portsmouth facing the more experienced Petersfield team, which proved to be a much sterner test. Petersfield struck first, scoring the only goal Portsmouth would concede all day. Maddie then netted a well-deserved equaliser and came close to adding a second, only to be denied by a skilled save from the Petersfield goalkeeper. The match was exciting and competitive with both teams playing excellent hockey, the result of a 1-1 draw was an outcome that reflected the efforts of both sides, as neither deserved to lose.

Third Game: Portsmouth vs Havant (2-0)
For the third game of the day, Portsmouth faced Havant. The match was another tough contest, with Havant creating several dangerous breakaway chances that tested Portsmouth’s defenders. Both Max and Bea made crucial saves on the goal line to keep the visitors out. Gaining confidence from their defensive efforts, Portsmouth took the lead when Meadow finished off a breakaway, followed quickly by a second goal from Max. Havant’s best opportunity came late in the game, but their forward could only hit the post, and Portsmouth held on for a 2-0 win.

Final Game: Portsmouth vs Petersfield (3-0)
With Hamble unable to attend, the final game was a rematch against the first Petersfield team. Although fatigue was starting to show, Portsmouth eventually settled into the match. Oscar opened the scoring by deflecting in a well-placed pass from Max, and Flo soon doubled the lead with a finish that ensured every member of the team scored during the festival. The final goal of the day was struck by Max with a well-placed hit from out wide, sealing a 3-0 victory.

Results and Scorers
• Petersfield 5-0: Goals by Bea, Reuben, Max (3)
• Petersfield 1-1: Goal by Maddie
• Havant 2-0: Goals by Meadow, Max
• Petersfield 3-0: Goals by Oscar, Flo, Max

We broke tradition with the star player award as it was deservedly given to the entire team. It was truly impossible to single out any one individual for their performance! (Apologies to the treasurer for the number of medals handed out!)

The morning was a great showcase for the squad, and it was particularly rewarding for the coaching staff to see the skills and tactics that have been practised in training, being executed so effectively in real match scenarios. Well done to everyone that played, there was an awful lot to be proud of!

Finally, a huge thank you needs to go to all of the young umpires that did an excellent job, thank you to everyone that helped on the cake stall, and of course thank you to all the friends and families that were giving the team such positive support on the side-lines.