The under 12s hosted their first triangular set of games , welcoming Southampton and Haslemere to their home pitch at Admiral Lord Nelson School.

They once again had a strong showing of players, however were unable to include their star Goalkeeper, Ellis, due to unavailability. This meant they had to play with 7 outfit players.

They were keen to carry on their form from the previous tournament where they wont 2 out of 2. This home tournament was no different, where they ended up beating a very skilful Haslemere team with GK 3-0, and a very tough Southampton side 3-1.

The games focus for this week was on defence and protecting that D at all costs. The fact that they only conceded one goal in 60 minutes of hockey without a GK was a remarkable achievement. Their coach had wanted them to defend as a team, compact and together with everyone behind the ball , then spring attacks after winning it. They did this with such skill and effectiveness even Ian Cheshire, their coach was surprised. Their best game was against a very skilful Haselmere team, where the opposition didn't get into the D and their GK made a string of fine saves to keep the score down.

The back 3 defensive line, rotating between the powerful Daniel Whitcher, the calmness of Harry Cheshire, the joyous tackling Duo of Cleo Houghton and Tilly Wimshurst, and the never stop running of Oakley Farmer. They all tackled superbly , with communication between them and their teammates showing how they maturing in their understanding of the game. Daniel continued to play his trademark long diagonal passes, quickly turning the opposition team and setting up attacks. Harry Cheshire just seem to sense danger out, being calm on the ball and showing some very nice touches and passes. Cleo as always attracts the ball to her like a magnet, never getting beaten by a player, and Tilly is a little terrier with the opposition , tackling hard and being a nuisance. Oakley provide the energy and attacking threat when winning the ball, running down the right at pace and no short amount of skill.

The midfield group, playing in a diamond formation, showed their energy by constantly working up and down the pitch. They supported each other when going forward, passing and attacking at pace and worked hard to defend and protect their precious goal. Daniel Sinnott again was a powerhouse in the centre of midfield, scoring goals, tackling and beating players. Casper working unbelievably hard on the inside left channel, up and down and producing some lovely moments of skill. Xander , not daunted by playing against far bigger players, showed his class and touch , beating players and bringing other players into the game. Gully was like his usual "Messi" self, amazing skill, seeing a pass no-one else does and beating players with ease. Then there were the flyers in Woody Mein and Brooklyn Grindley, alternating between the channels, beating players and driving into the D where the superb Freya Watkinson would be there to calmly convert the chances. Freya herself had a excellent partnership with Daniel in the centre midfield, she being the Frank Lampard to Daniels Roy Keane.

A superb performance with the 2 wins , and more importantly a performance showing maturity and greater understanding of the game.

Ian Cheshire Player of the Match went to Brooklyn Grindley, with her powerful and skilful running up the inside right channel.
The team themselves voted for Freya Watkinson as their player of the match.