Epsom’s Girls enjoyed a strong week, winning 11 of 13 fixtures against Lord Wandsworth, and with the U13As emerging from their first tournament of the season with a memorable win. A superb set of results, with some outstanding performances, that augers well for the season ahead.
Epsom v Lord Wandsworth.
The 1st XI girls returned to form with a resounding 7-0 win in their match. 6-0 up at halftime, Cecilia Sacklen (M) was in sparkling form and Tassy Williams (R), Liv Wilde (R) and Adahna Ekoku (Rv) scored two goals apiece.
The 2nd XI took time to break down their opponents’ stubborn defence but eventually won 3-0 thanks to two goals from Rosy Payne (Rv) and a player of the match display from Katya Lee (R).
There was a 6-1 win for the 3rd XI for whom Sophie Lonnon (W) score twice and Jess Haigh (R) stood out in a really impressive display.
In the Junior matches, the U15As recorded their fourth consecutive win, 3-0 with Gina Liebenberg (Rv) on the scoresheet and player of the match. The Bs won 3-1 with Mia Smiley (Rv) scoring twice.
Sophie Edison (M) scored again to win the match for the U14As where Amelia Thomson’s (Wh) defence stood out in a game of outstandingly high quality from both sides.
Holly Hewins (W) for the Bs and Edie Pettit (Rv), Lucy Pickering (Cr) and Liz Lowndes (M) for the C team each scored twice in convincing wins.
The U13As suffered for their brilliant efforts winning the Sevenoaks tournament the previous day (see below), going down to a 4-1 defeat, but the B team won 6-1 with Anna Gillespie scoring a hat-trick.
In the U12s, Bibi Watkins (Wa) scored 4 goals on her A team debut and Gina Carrington (Wa) a hat-trick, while Seren Callaghan (Hu) scored a hat-trick for the B team in their victories. Georgie Watkins’ (GH) two goals helped the D team beat Gordon’s B team 3-2.
U13A Girls Hockey win the Sevenoaks Tournament.
On Friday 21 September the U13 girls won the Sevenoaks Tournament, their first hockey tournament of the year. An outstanding performance that augers well for the season ahead.
Game 1 v Sevenoaks (L: 0-2)
Starting the group stages with their first game more than likely being their greatest test for the day, Sevenoaks. Epsom dominated the play for the first part but sadly could not score and when they allowed the opposition too close to their goal unmarked Sevenoaks took advantage and secured the win. This was not an ideal way to start the tournament but perhaps the awakening was exactly what was needed.
Game 2 v Holmwood House (W: 2-0. Scorers: Ava Manketo (Hu) and Amelia Burke (Wa))
Thankfully this was a very different game and one in which Epsom dominated from start to finish, ironing out areas that allowed the team to improve from their previous game and build themselves into the tournament.
Games 3 v Cranbrook (W: 4-0. Scorers: Ella Stephens (Wa) x2, Imogen Stoole (Hu) and Yasi Fryer (Wa))
Epsom were well and truly in their stride now, playing the game they wanted and utilising the entire team. Good teamwork and great finishes certainly set Epsom aside in this game.
Quarter Final v Reigate (D: 0-0 – W: penalty flicks 2-0. Scorers: Amelia Burke and Yasi Fryer)
Stepping over to play the winners of another group was an exciting prospect and Epsom certainly did not disappoint. With at least 3 crosses whizzing past the far post, the girls could have sealed the victory very early on. However, that and along with some average team defence, suggested it was clearly not meant to be and the game finished goalless. Amelia Burke, Yasi Fryer and Ella Stephens prepared to take the penalty flicks and Amelia and Yasi’s flicks were fantastic. Amber Roberts (GH) saved both from Reigate which meant Ella did not need to take one. A great result.
Semi Final v St Lawrence (Win: 2-0, Scorers: Arabella Alderman (Wa) & Ella Stephens)
Epsom worked hard for the win, it was great to see Arabella Alderman stepping up from defence to score a goal. Off the ball, the team was working harder, which was great to see. A good team performance.
Final v Sevenoaks (W: 1-0. Scorer: Ella Stephens)
This was the perfect end to the day, getting to play Sevenoaks in the final who had beaten the girls earlier on in the day. Epsom were more than ready for the challenge and with gritted teeth and determination shining through they did the business. It was a well-fought game and exciting to watch. Through good team play and clever decision-making, Ella Stephens scored the winning goal and the team were thrilled to win the competition.
Well done to all players, they were a credit to themselves and Epsom College. When they are on their game they are certainly a very exciting team to watch.
