It was great to get back to hockey after a good break, although Monday’s training was very wet. We were thrilled to welcome Hurst, who provided excellent hockey coaching for the girls in Years 6–8, which proved very successful. This prepared them well for their matches on Wednesday, when all teams played against St Ronan’s.
1st Team Hockey
The U13 Girls’ 1st Team faced St Ronan’s at Marden Hockey Club in a competitive and hard-fought match. Holmewood started well, matching their opponents for energy and determination. Antonia’s well-taken goal ensured the sides went into half-time level at 1–1 after an evenly contested opening period.
In the second half, St Ronan’s began to edge ahead, using their pace on the break to create clear chances while defending with real discipline. Despite sustained effort from the Holmewood attack, they found it difficult to break through a solid defence.
Pippa was outstanding in goal, producing a series of brilliant saves to keep her team in contention and deservedly earning Girl of the Game. Although the match ended 3–1 to St Ronan’s, the girls can take pride in a determined and spirited performance. DB
2nd Team Hockey
Result: Lost 3-2
Goals: Shekinah x2
The 2nd Team Girls put in a fantastic performance against St Ronan’s, despite a narrow 3–2 loss. From the first whistle, they showed determination and teamwork, moving the ball confidently and creating excellent scoring chances. Both goals were the result of smart passing and relentless pressure in the D. Defensively, the team worked tirelessly, with some outstanding tackles and saves. Though the result didn’t go their way, it was an impressive, hard-fought display of skill and spirit. Well played girls! DG
3rd Team Hockey
The 3rd XI girls hockey team played St Ronan’s this Wednesday at Marden sports ground. It was a great start to the fame with the girls earing a 2-0 lead early on. Unfortunately, we lost momentum on the field leading to 2 goals conceded from St Ronan’s, making it 2-2 at half time. The girls came out strong in the second half making some great attacking plays with excellent passing, as well as some good saves from defence but unfortunately St Ronan’s scored a goal in the last few minutes resulting in a 2-3 loss. Overall, I was really impressed with how the girls passing and spacing has improved over the season and I think it was highlighted in this game. MI
4th Team Hockey
The Girls played brilliantly to win 3-0 against Saint Ronan’s. Excellent attacking play, solid defence and confident goalkeeping secured a well-deserved victory. A fantastic all-round team effort!
Well done to Lottie who was awarded Girl of the Game. KL
U11A Team Hockey
Playing at home, the U11A team settled into the match quickly against a strong St Ronan’s side. The team worked hard, and there was some excellent defensive work from Alice and Temi, although the opposition were relentless and scored first.
Continuing their efforts at the back, Temi ran hard and passed the ball with real pace and strength the length of the pitch, allowing Ella to strike and score, bringing the score to 1–1 at half-time.
Both teams maintained their energy in the second half, with Bea working tirelessly in the centre and Darcie F and Mayra making strong attempts to transition the ball from defence to attack. We created a couple of good chances, and after several excellent saves from Matilda in goal, unfortunately, we conceded two quick goals towards the end of the match, resulting in a 3–1 defeat.
It was a very even and tightly contested match, and the girls performed admirably throughout. Well done to everyone, and we look forward to our match against Hazelwood next week. SP
Player of the Match: Temi
U11B Hockey
Drew 1 1 This was probably a fair result as two evenly matched teams were both equally determined to keep the ball as well as show real fight to win it back. The ball moved quickly through the pitch from end to end and St Ronans scored first. We had several attempts to beat their goalie. Not quite managing to get through their defence or beat their goalie, until Marsali was successful in finding the space and good position to score and equalise. This team always works hard and are playing with more understanding and improved all round skill and cannot fault their desire to compete at a high level. Just more work on finishing the shots to
see the game out. It will be great to keep this momentum going as we face Hazelwood next week. Well Done to Fiyi, Isla, Rebecca, Darcey, Flora, Ellie, Amalie-Rose, Marsaili and POM Emilia. SE.
U11C Hockey
Won 5-1 This home fixture allowed the squad of 9 girls time for a really good warm up and as St Ronan’s arrived were ready and raring to go. We made a great start keeping possession with improved stick skills and a good first touch of the ball, looking up and passing on the run to a teammate in good space. Most pleasing was our positioning and use of all the pitch and knowing when and where to pass. Equally girls are now carrying the ball forward at speed with good control. There was plenty of action in our attacking D and congratulations to our scorers Tavonga 2, Annabelle 1, Tamzin 1 and Sofia 1. But this was a tremendous team effort and with 7 on the pitch at one time, the girls had opportunities to play in all areas and rotate accordingly. Special mention to Hannah who was amazing in goal again and to Captain Anne who lead by example and was deservedly voted POM. SE.
U10 Hockey
The U10s travelled to St Ronan’s on Wednesday for two exciting matches. With both games played on quite short pitches, the A team found it tricky to use their usual wide play. Despite that, they showed great determination and teamwork throughout. Ottilie scored a well-taken goal, and with no substitutes available, every player gave their all from start to finish. Amelie was outstanding in goal, making countless saves and clearances — a well-deserved Player of the Match!
The B team enjoyed a thrilling, end-to-end game that finished in a 5–5 draw. Both sides matched each other goal for goal in an exciting contest. Rosie, Tolu, Cara, and Romy all found the back of the net, contributing to a brilliant team performance. Tolu’s energy and effort throughout earned her the Player of the Match award. KB
U9 Hockey
The U9s ended their hockey season against The Mead with their best performance yet! Playing on full-length pitches meant lots of running, and the girls rose to the challenge brilliantly. Defence stayed strong—tackling hard and clearing wide—while the midfield and wings worked tirelessly to support attacks and create space. Up front, the strikers took their chances well, helping HH score an impressive 10 goals across all three teams, with only 4 conceded.
Special mentions to:
Matilda and Skylar for keeping possession so well.
Ellie and Callie for strong defensive play and great use of width.
Connie, Daisy, Emi, Flossie, Iona, Isla and Maggie for excellent stick skills and teamwork.
A fantastic end to a brilliant season—well done, girls!
U8 Hockey
As the hockey season draws to a close, the girls enjoyed their final set of matches against The Mead at Hawkenbury Astro. All players rotated throughout the games, taking turns to play against both The Mead teams and other Holmewood teams, ensuring everyone had plenty of opportunities on the pitch.
The girls adapted brilliantly to the smaller pitches, showing great awareness as they looked for space and used their skills effectively. Despite the challenge of the smaller semi-circles, there were goals from both schools, reflecting how far the teams have come this season. It was clear to see that the players have developed a strong understanding of the game, positioning, and teamwork setting them up perfectly to progress even further next year.
Well done to all of the girls for their effort and enthusiasm throughout the season. We look forward to rounding things off with our House matches next week! SP
