Box Hill Boys Hockey Reports – March 2023

U13 – Mr Jackson

The boys have enjoyed a great term of hockey, playing 7 games in total and scoring 11 goals throughout the course of those games. Our season started off with a brilliant game over Wimbledon Hall School with the boys coming out triumphant winning 7-3, a particularly impressive game for the boys considering it was some of the lads first time playing a hockey match! The boys carried on undefeated for the next two matches, beating Frensham Heights School narrowly by a goal. A great defensive showing from Aum and James in the following match against Duke of Kent, ensued the boys kept their unbeaten streak alive, by drawing 1-1. On our final game of the season the boys were looking to avoid defeat against a very strong Lingfield College team. Goals thanks to Ben V and Jean-Luc ensured we ended off our hockey on a positive note, by drawing 2-2. Overall, the boys have had an entertaining season of hockey and have shown great focus and willingness to learn and improve as the season went on. Well done to all the U13 hockey boys!

U14 – Mr Vermeulen

The Under 14 boys hockey team this term contained a number of pupils who were either picking up a hockey stick for the first time, or who were inexperienced in the sport. Despite a lack of experience in the squad, the boys’ commitment and dedication cannot be faulted. With no regular goalkeeper, Harry M, George H and Fill N all padded up when needed, taking expert guidance from our specialist goalkeeping coach, Mr Jackson. Small-sided games were the staple of this term’s hockey, with a number of hard-fought matches being played in the cage setting of the Vermeulen Arena. Sonny P consistency led by example, and was the Players’ Player of the Season. Most Improved Player was Max A, whose tenacity ensured that even the most accomplished defenders feared his press. Alfie R has been working hard on his defensive game and could always be relied upon to keep opposition attackers from presenting any real danger. Alfie was also an important mentor for less experienced players such as Fill N, Kabi L and Beau H-B. James W was also a player who had shown demonstrable improvement since last season, and the fight that he brought to each match was unrivalled. The boys have a great deal to be proud of, despite results not always going their way against experienced opposition. Above all else, they have a camaraderie and joy for the sport that should result in a collective love for the game long after Year 9.

U16 – Mr McAlister

The U16 Hockey team have had a positive season, only losing one of their matches during the term. They have all developed significantly, both with their individual skills and overall game play. Their hockey tactical understanding has improved considerably, and this was evident throughout the term. The squad includes boys from a range of year groups although the cohesion amongst the team was very strong. The highlight of the season was the superb 5-3 win against St James Senior Boys School.

The team have been captained by Jack U who is a member of the Surrey County Hockey Squad and he has always led from the front, creating and scoring a number of superb goals. Alex U has been a stalwart in goal, performing consistently and making some match winning saves. He is also a member of the Surrey County side. Other mentions go to Kekeli T and Finley F who have both been clinical in front of goal and Rolando W, James R and Finley H who have bolstered the midfield and defensive line.

Overall, a very positive season, and thank you to the squad for such a positive approach.