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Under 9

Plymouth HC A 2 - 1 Devonport / Plymouth HC A 3 - 0 Plymouth HC B

March 16th, 2012: Having beaten Marjons A the previous week, the fear of playing Devonport turned into anticipation and excitement. The whole team had been made aware of 'Annabel' from early in the season, when she scored 7 goals against our Team C and 5 goals against our Team B. We had a strong line up again, also welcoming Tilly back to the team. It became very apparent in the first 5 minutes that we were faced with two dilemmas-firstly how to stop Annabel dictating the game and scoring at will; secondly how we were going to get past Devonport's other very good player-their centre back. It would mean that we had to take our chances when they came and stop Annabel in her tracks as early as possible. After 8 minutes, Annabel made another mazy run through our entire team and duly scored the opener. 1-0 to Devonport. Plymouth held on to half time, even though it was one way traffic in favour of the opposition. A tactical talk from Plymouth's manager during the break-particularly with the sticks flat down approach, sweep tackling Annabel in Midfield and Defence; as well as trying to 'roll' away from the Devonport's centre back to create a chance for ourselves. The second half was a complete turn around and the game was end to end. Tilly marking their centre forward well. Sebastian playing a 'free role' trying to get hold of any loose ball to try to create a chance for prolific scorer Christian. Josette and Isaac using the 'sweep tackle' with much success. It was to be Emily though who had the game of her life! Annabel kept on trying to run around our right hand side, but time and time again, our Left midfielder, Emily, thwarted her at every opportunity. As Annabel became dispirited, Plymouth passed the ball neatly through Isaac, Josette and Sebastian to create only their second chance in the game. Christian, receiving the ball on the top of the D, 'rolling' their centre back and scoring superbly! 1-1 with 5 minutes left! Plymouth would have been more than happy to take the draw, but another great tackle from Emily and quick passes through Sebastian and Josette saw Christian with the ball in the D with their centre back to beat. The ball just squirming over the line to score his 19th of the season! 2-1 to Plymouth with 3 minutes to go! This saw a frantic finish. Devonport narrowly shooting wide and then Tilly and Isaac tackling brilliantly to clear their line 1 minute from the end! A fantastic win by Plymouth Team A, who rounded off the season having beaten every other U9 side-an incredible feat in itself! Man of the match - Emily Smelt.

Being a player down through illness, Team B was always going to find this match hard. They needed to 'dig' in and show fighting spirit and they did just that. Bethany and Hannah working tirelessly for Team B against the Team A's midfield of Isaac and Josette. Hazel, showing all her skill, trying to stave off the impressive Emily. Team A's Tilly tring to get around resolute defending by Calum. Team B's Poppy and Team A's Christian having a great battle of wits. It was Team B that had the first chance of the game, but the ball fizzed wide. Team A's Sebastian took full advantage of his chance, scoring on the stroke of half time. 1-0 to Team A. The passing and tackling was great from both sides, particularly some crunch tackles from Team B's Calum prevented many goal scoring opportunities. Midway through the second half Team A created a great chance and Emily tucked it away nicely, and then proceeded to run half the length of the pitch to high five her manager! Team A's captain, Josette, pushed forward in the last few minutes and it was very appropriate that she would score a fantastic goal on what could be her last appearance for the Team. On the final whistle both teams gave loud cheers and repectful handshakes to finish a very good season for both sides. Man of the Match - Calum Anderson.

Plymouth HC 1 - 0 Ivybridge / Plymouth HC 3 - 2 Marjons / Plymouth HC B - Plymouth HC C / Plymouth HC B - Ivybridge

March 2nd, 2012: What a successful evening the U9s had on Friday! Thanks to Rob, Steve, Russel and Georgina for their hard work! The highlights of the evening were - Team A beating the previously unbeaten Marjons A. Team B beating Team C in a goal fest. Team C losing narrowly 3-1 to Marjons B (a side they lost to 8-0 at the beginning of the season), showing enormous improvement. In fact every player has 'come on' leaps and bounds - individual skills, playing as a team and in particular positional awareness. Champagne Moment - the whole squad! The great news is that many of them are playing 1 or 2 years ahead of themselves, in fact 13 of them will still be eligible for U9s again next season!! Please note that the final round of matches this season for U9s is Friday 16th March. A reminder about our end of season day out when the hockey awards will be announced/given-not to be missed! (see earlier e-mail from Rob or speak to him on Sunday).

Please see below the Match Reports and My Overall Observations for all players to improve further.

Plymouth totally dominated this match, in fact Ivybridge did not get into Plymouth's half at all in the entire game! The Pitch, though, was not very wide and the game became congested with passing proving particularly difficult. Isaac Pearson and Alex Mitchell defending from the half way line, allowing for creative player Sebastian Ingham more freedom. Christian Vinson, as striker, not seeing much of the ball and narrowly missing with his only chance. Despite Isaac and Sebastian firing in shot after shot through a crowded D, it was always going to be decided by how well Plymouth's two wide players, Emily Smelt and Josette Davies played. They both played magnificently, taking the ball down the wings and sending in the crosses. The match winner came as Josette came in from the right corner, firing the ball past two stunned defenders. Both Emily and Josette had another chance each to increase the score line, but it wasn't to be. Man of the Match - Josette Davies.

This has to be this team's performance of the season! Every player giving 200%! Marjons (who had won 2-0 earlier in the season) started brightly firing a couple of shots wide. But it was Plymouth who took the lead. A great tackle from Isaac (again), a good pass from Emily to Sebastian on to Christian, who slotted home neatly against the run of play. The whole game turned, and it was Plymouth who then seemed to dominate, despite Marjons scoring a good break away goal on the stroke of halftime. At the start of the 2nd half Plymouth were quickly 2-1 ahead. A great through ball from Josette enabled Christian to take it round the two Marjons defenders to score his 19th of the season. At this stage of the game the two very skilled Marjons' players were looking jaded, proving that individuals do not win matches, and Plymouth playing brilliantly as a team, supporting each other well took control. Sebastian breaking from the right to score Plymouth's 3rd. Plymouth continued to dominate with a few shots fizzing wide. With 2 minutes to go Marjons seized their chance with a break away goal, leaving a tense finale. Was this to be history in the making? Could Plymouth hold on? With 1 minute left on the clock the two Marjons boys combined well to create a superb chance, only for Alex and Isaac to make a last ditch tackle between them - giving Plymouth their deserved victory! Man of the Match - Isaac Pearson

This fantastic game started with Team B dominating in the first few minutes, with Harley attacking from midfield, feeding Callum on the right and Hazel on the left with numerous attempts to feed the new found star striker Poppy. It wasn't long before Team B took a two goal advantage with both Poppy and Harley scoring early goals. Team C began to fight the midfield area with Daniel and Sydney tackling their hearts out and wrestling the control away from Harley. The attacks from team B became fewer and concentrated down the right wing with Callum who managed to provide a good cross for Poppy to score her second. At this point team C had wrestled control of the middle pitch with Hannah R and Georgia (in her first start for Plymouth) starting to make progress into team B's half. Several balls were coming through to Bethany in the defence for team B, whose clearances were powerful (covering all the other matches going on!) if a little wayward in direction. Pressure from team C was continuous with Yanni joining the attacks with Daniel, Sydney and Hannah R, it became too much for the defence of Bethany and Hannah C, with Daniel and Sydney scoring goals. The closeness of the game continued with Keelan (team B) and Callum (team C) closely matched on the right wing and Daniel matching Harley in the middle of the pitch. Yanni and Georgia pushed on to attack, with Yanni taking advantage and scoring a third goal for team C, brining the score to three all with only minutes to go. From the restart team B got its shape back with determined attacks from Hazel and Hannah down the left wing, feeding Poppy in the middle who clinched the match with another goal. What a great game for everyone involved, some great hockey and massive excitement. Poppy was player of the match for Team B with her fist hat trick for the club!

This game started with the Plymouth team slightly jaded from their epic match against their own team mates, but with confidence in their positions and tactics against a strong looking Ivybridge team. There was only one umpire for this game, which unfortunately led to a lot of whistling and a broken up game. Ivybridge appeared to benefit from this with practiced moves from restarts, strong running and shooting, 'out gunning' Bethany and Hannah in defence with speed and power. They took a 2 goal lead in the first half. With Callum receiving little ball on the right wing the decision was made to move him back to defensive duties and the team immediately became re-invigorated with the defence holding up to attack after attack. With the defence now three, Harley and Hazel were having to battle hard in the middle of the pitch to win any ball and begin feeding it up to Poppy; but they did, and before too long Poppy had her fourth goal of the night following a great pass from her sister Hazel. This was a close game and Ivybridge were on the back foot, Harley appeared to be told off by the umpire for hitting the ball too hard (?) in attempts to feed Poppy. Harley's effort was immense, even scoring from the half way long with a tremendous hit, that Poppy was mere cm's away from connecting with to bring the scores level. With Callum in defence matching Ivybridges power, Hazel and Hannah taking on their larger boys with vengeance Plymouth looked good for drawing level, but unfortunately time got the better of them and they unfortunately lost the game. Harley was player of the match with an astonishing performance of effort and tenacity.

Heart should be taken from their improvement when compared to last time they played Ivybridge who beat them comfortably, it was anything but that this time. The players showed good form and look settled when playing in their correct positions (which is the first time we have achieved this is in a few weeks); Poppy has a great eye for goal, Harley is a good creative force in mid field with Callum and Hazel on their wings showing they can both run, tackle, and pass the ball from their respective sides. Hannah C is providing great mobility and weak side tackling in defence, whilst Bethany seems capable of clearing any ball (any distance) and is looking to be an asset when restarting games with 16's and sidelines. Development and prospects are looking good!

Summary - Always keep 2 hands on the stick and have feet in the correct position. The ball could arrive in under a second and you have to always be prepared - mistakes will happen if you are not ready.
Release and pass the ball before the opponent is standing right in front of you - know what you are going to do before you do it.
Make your passes, shots and defensive hits as hard as you can with accuracy-pace will beat many players, especially on their weak side.
Don't be scared to shoot-at U10s you won't be able to 'walk' it in.

Plymouth HC 5 - 0 Plymouth HC / Plymouth HC 0 - 9 Devonport / Plymouth HC 0 - 2 Marjons

January 13th, 2012: The bitter cold saw the first inter club competitive match of the season. The scoreline does not reflect the quality the game possessed! Bethany Cooke and Calum Anderson defending well for one side, and Jasmine Harvey for the other. The midfield of Hannah Cooke, Poppy and Hazel Vernon against Sebastian Ingham, Josette Davies and Emily Smelt saw some splendid tackling, dribbling and passing. The tactics of Isaac Pearson marking key player Harley Clapham, starved one team from creating too many chances, while at the other end Christian Vinson took his chances well, scoring 4 fantastic goals! Players of the match were Christian Vinson and Hannah Cooke.

Plymouth approached their second match with some trepidation; against a team that had recently dominated them. The same two significantly mature and larger players were fielded by Devonport and dominated the game for everyone involved. A significant tactical approach was made, sacrificing Harley, one of the teams most creative players to 'man mark' one of the Devonport team. Bethany, Callum and Hannah started in a defensive formation, whilst the midfield was busy and strong with Hazel and Poppy. The whole team tackled their hearts out, were brave and strong in their running, snuffing out many attacks. Unfortunately the superior strength and speed of the Devonport team with reverse stick turns, indian dribbling, pitch length passes and powerful shots meant the inevitable occurred and Plymouth fell behind. The second half saw a further tactical change with the sisters, Poppy and Hazel gamely taking on the challenge of stopping Devonports key player from playing. They were magnificent in their efforts breaking down many attacks and making space for themselves when receiving the ball from Bethany's 16's re-starts. Harley, despite numerous attempts was unable to break their dominant defence, but was able to keep the game further up the pitch, easing the pressure on Bethany and Hannah in defence. The defence broke many attacks up, preventing numerous goals, but come the end of the game looked tired and dispirited. Callum, up against players three times his size, ran, ran and ran some more trying to tackle anything that moved and made the 'man of the match' award his for such effort. A very brave effort by a wonderful team.

Next, came the daunting task of facing an unusually tall Marjons team, who had won their previous game 7-0 at a canter! A tactical switch was required. Unfortunately we went 1-0 down, as one of our players was taken poorly and were 2-0 down pretty soon after.But the game turned quickly after that as Plymouth settled into their positions. Isaac Pearson again took on the role of man marking (a player twice his size) and put in 200%, working tirelessly for the team. Josette Davies, having the best game of her life at right back, playing with great control and vision. Emily Smelt and Gemma Deebanks covering lots of ground, breaking down the Marjons attacks down the wings. Sebastian Ingham playing the holding role in midfield brilliantly, trying to feed the ball through to Christian Vinson (who was being marked by a player 3 times his size!), who almost created two scoring chances from nothing. Despite the score - Plymouth were outstanding, battling bravely, never giving up and were warmly applauded by the buoyant spectators. Player of the match was Josette Davies and the winner of the 'Champagne Moment' was Isaac Pearson for a crunching reverse stick tackle as a Marjons' player was about to score!

A big thank you to the Umpires - Matt Smith and Joe Large, both of whom controlled the game while letting it flow. A credit to them as Foundation Umpires!!

Week 2

November 11th, 2011: All three Plymouth teams showed fantastic team spirit,coming away with 3 wins, one draw and 2 losses. Team 1's Joseph Palmer and Christian Vinson gained Player of the Match Awards for their brilliant skills/stickwork. Team 2's Bethany Cook and Hazel Vernon gained Player of the Match Awards for their 200% effort and hard work in defence and midfield respectively. Team 3's Yianni(yr2 and debut!) and Hannah Rogers gained their Player of the Match Awards for their ability to read the game well and be in the right positions at the right times.

Week 1

November 4th, 2011: All the Plymouth teams battled hard against very good opposition, and although they lost both games, they deserve credit for their determination and sportsmanship. A great debut from Harley in Team 2, alongside hard tackling from Bethany Cook with a good goal from Hannah Cook. Tilly worked hard in midfield for Team 1, together with an excellent goal from the top of the 'D' by Christian Vinson all looks positive for the rest of the season.