2023/24 Season - Final Champions
Under 12s go undefeated in 7 games at finals day
Under 12s - Undefeated in 7 games to win 2023/2024 season Finals Day
A fantastic run of wins today (24th March 2024) saw Witham Eagles Hockey Club Under 12s team go undefeated in all 7 games at the Chelmsford-hosted end-of-season finals day.
A strong mixed squad of 12 children competed in the boys' league, defeating two Saffron Walden teams, followed swiftly by two wins over two Chelmsford teams, and another two wins against teams from Colchester and Braintree.
The last game was a nail-biting 0-0 draw throughout until the closing minutes when top scorer of the day, Josh, broke through a solid Maldon defence - scoring his 8th goal of the day in the closing seconds to secure the 7th and final win, cementing Witham Eagles as the UNDEFEATED winners of the Finals tournament.
Hockey, as we all know, is a team game, and this victory could not have been achieved without the dedication and perseverance of all involved:
- James' firm kicks and confident movements secured him 4 clean sheets and conceded only 3 goals in 7 games.
- A solid defence from the brother/sister combination of Edward and Olivia kept our back line clear and our opponents quiet.
- Some dynamic midfield distribution by Joel contributed massively to our team's goal-scoring ability, as well as netting a few himself.
- Our main forwards today, including Josh & Austin, scored goals aplenty.
- A varied combination of midfielders and wingers (Callum, Hollie, Amelia, Noah, Katy & Eliza) worked tirelessly, distributing the ball, supporting the attack, and marking their players. A special mention goes to the 3 hockey newcomers - Eliza, Katy, and Noah, the latter scoring a fantastic first-ever hockey goal.
This team has shown true heart and a winning spirit throughout the entire year and all tournaments (winning the vast majority of games played), and the hard work has culminated in this day.
While a few players will be moving onwards and upwards to adult Hockey next season, a significant core of the team will remain in the under 12s, joined by budding talent moving up from the under 10s. Let's carry on this performance into the next season!
Credit has to, of course, be given to the coaches - Marc Valentine & Sarah Smith have provided the majority of these current and future stars with a solid base of hockey skills and gameplay from a young age, before being further developed into the winners they are today by Richard Dunnage & James Burns, as well as numerous junior coaches and assistants, too many to name!
And finally, without the ongoing support of the parents, the junior section would not be where it is today. Week in and week out, rain or shine, the parents turn up, support, assist, umpire, dress wounds, and back each and every child on that pitch.
Up the yellow perils! Roll on 2024/2025!
Under 12s Results
- Witham 2 - 0 Saffron Walden 1s
- Witham 2 - 1 Saffron Walden 2s
- Witham 3 - 0 Chelmsford 1s
- Witham 1 - 0 Chelmsford 2s
- Witham 3 - 1 Colchester
- Witham 5 - 1 Braintree
- Witham 1 - 0 Maldon
Notes from the coach
So proud of everyone this whole season. We have started from a good base and gone on to perform at an even higher standard on finals day.
Each child should be so happy with all they have done and to win 7 out of 7 games against teams that boast multiple teams from the city's they represent against our little town goes to show how amazing you are.
I hope all my shouting and Richard's positive vibes and teaching over the Sunday sessions all show why we are so passionate about you all going onward and upward and by the time you hang up your sticks you will be head and shoulders above us all.
The future of Witham's teams is bright and I look forward to watching you all in hopefully the not to distant future representing our men's and ladies 1's .
Well done all children, you have made me, your parents and our club so so proud.
~ James Burns
Under 10s
Our under 10s this year have shown real heart, determination, and progress. Starting the year with a single team of 7 and 8-year-olds and not having the best time at tournaments, to finishing Finals day with two stronger, more mature, and experienced teams, shows just how hard they have worked this year.
Finals Day yielded a mixed result with a handful of wins, a few draws (including against each other!), and a few losses, but each and every child should be proud of themselves. If they can play at this level at their age and experience, just think how good they will be in two years' time playing in the same age range!
Notes from the coach
Amazingly proud of the U10s, bearing in mind this is their first season coming up from U8s with no real tournament experience. Some are also new to the club. They have all worked incredibly hard at training, listened well, and enjoyed themselves. We will have a great squad next season.
~ Sarah Smith