England Hockey Championship Plate 2021 – Girls U16 Semi Final
Leeds Hockey Club – 3 v 0 – Belper Hockey Club
Leeds settled into the game well for what turned out to be a competitive first half. Chances at both ends but Leeds managed to get themselves on the score-sheet with a really well executed move down the left hand side. Good defence work from Emily H saw possession turned over, great team work on the left between Amelia L and Izzy A saw the ball into the D for the Belper keeper to make a save, before Grace B smashed in the rebound. Belper were strong in the Centre of the pitch and caused Leeds many problems in this area.
Half time – Leeds 1 Belper 0.
A formation change at half time saw Leeds strengthen the centre of the pitch. A minute into the second half saw a decisive period of play. Belper broke and were clean through on goal from the 23. Keeper, Georgia M held her nerve and as the attacker tried to go round her she made an excellent stick save and clearance. Straight from this a Jess L aerial set Amy B-C away on half way for the start of the best move of the day. Amy sent the ball into Frankie S-B, first time onto Grace who drove into the D and found Rosie R who slipped the ball past the keeper for Frankie to knock in —- fantastic.
A well worked short corner with a bit of a scramble saw Frankie tap in the third.
Our defensive unit of Georgia M, Ellie H, Beth H, Jess L, Emma C-M, Siena E, Evie W were superb — the number of tackles / blocks and then distribution into midfield to Emily H, Frankie S-B, Amelia L, Amy B-C to link with our forward line Katie B, Grace B, Izzy A and Rosie R shows the team effort that was delivered to win this game.
Onto the final v Reading on Saturday 3rd July
David Brereton & Anna Pateman
Coaches LHC U16 Girls
