Under 14’s report
With a full squad participating, the Harrow Way girls were hoping to finish off an unbeaten league season with success in the tournament. Sadly they got off to a bad start and were slow off the marks against Test Valley, who passed the ball quickly and shot well to go into an early lead in their 8 minute game. Some fine early shooting by Annie Brookes closed the score but a lack in communication and some forced errors resulted in a first match loss 4-3.
The girls picked themselves up form this early setback, and in the second game against John Hanson, the wingers, Jess Borley-Thorpe and Kelly Butler, dominated the centre third, enabling more shooting opportunities for Annie and Lydia Moulding. Abbie Portsmouth filled in well as Goal Keeper when Ella Howells went off injured, leading to a satisfying win 6-2.
The following two games against Testbourne and The Clere were well fought, with two highly competitive opponents. However, the Harrow Way girls had now got into their swing and were scoring freely, much helped by excellent centre pass sequences between Ellie Roche and Lydia Moulding, enabling shots and goals to be scored within seconds of the re-starts. Harrow Way beat Testbourne 7-1 and The Clere 5-1.
The final game against Rookwood saw the drizzle arrive, but the determination of the Harrow Way team remained. The defensive duo of Lili McLean and the recovered Ella Howells had little to do, but comfortably soaked up any pressure turning over possession into quick breaks of attack. Annie and Lydia rounded up a fine afternoon of shooting to net 8 more goals between them, resulting in a final score of 8-1.
During presentations, there was an unusual air of anticipation as to what the final results would be. The Harrow Way girls were duly awarded their winners medals for the league; however, they were pipped at the post in the tournament by Test Valley, coming second by just one point. An excellent season overall and we look forward to them competing in the senior league next year.