Final Hockey and Rugby Match Reports of the Season
Final Matches of the Season for Belhaven's Girls' Hockey and Boys' Rugby Teams
Reports for games against Loretto
Girls' Hockey
1st
2nd
Belhaven 2 – 1 Loretto
The Hallhill witnessed an exhilarating clash between Belhaven and Loretto, with the unpredictable British weather adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. The air was brisk, the wind cutting through the players as they took to the field, with intermittent snow and rain making for a truly testing match.
The teams, Belhaven and Loretto, engaged in a battle of skill, determination, and teamwork, with both sides eager to secure victory. The decision to play two 20-minute halves proved wise, ensuring the players kept moving, combating the chilly conditions.
The first half saw Loretto taking the lead with a well-executed goal, showcasing their offensive prowess. The match dynamics shifted, and Belhaven found themselves trailing as they headed into the half-time break. The players huddled (whilst trying to stay warm), strategising on how to turn the tide in the second half.
As the second half commenced, Belhaven emerged with renewed energy and determination. The weather, however, had different plans, introducing a mix of snow and rain that added an extra layer of complexity to the game. The players pushed through the challenging conditions, their resilience shining through.
In a stunning turn of events, Belhaven fought back valiantly, with Isla leading the charge by scoring two crucial goals. Her goals were a testament to both individual determination and the cohesive teamwork displayed by the Belhaven girls. The brave spectators witnessed a remarkable comeback as Belhaven turned the scoreline in their favour.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Isla, who not only showcased exceptional skills on the wing, but also played a pivotal role in her team's comeback. Isla's outstanding performance earned her the title of Player of the Match, a well-deserved accolade.
The final whistle echoed across the pitch, signalling the end of an intense and thrilling encounter. With the final score coming to Belhaven 2, Loretto 1, all girls quickly cheered on the other team, tapped sticks then headed off to get warm. A great end to the season. Well done!
Player of the Match - Isla G
U11A
Loretto 1 - 6 Belhaven Hill
U11B
In the final match of the season, the U11B Belhaven Hockey team faced Loretto, emerging triumphant with a commanding 7 - 1 victory which finalises an unbeaten season for the girls.
Despite challenging weather conditions of sleet and snow, the team displayed outstanding teamwork. Sienna and Isobel held a solid defence, while the midfield, Sophia, Iris, and Marie, dominated possession. The dynamic duo of Cristina and Anastasia, playing as forwards, contributed crucial goals. A remarkable display of resilience and skill secured a well-deserved win for the Belhaven team, concluding the season on a high, if very cold, note.
Well done to the girls who played in today’s match but also to the rest of the squad who have contributed to a fun and exciting hockey season. The progress that you have all made is excellent to see and I am very proud of the attitude and effort the girls have displayed throughout the season.
Well done girls – can we keep up our unbeaten record for the next term of Netball too?! Let’s hope so!
U9
Belhaven 6 – Loretto 3
Despite the freezing conditions, the girls were very excited about their last hockey match of the term. It was Delphine’s turn to be captain today and with Loretto winning the toss, Belhaven started the game in defence. It wasn’t long, though, before the Belhaven team were soon in possession of the ball. Grace, playing in the centre, quickly passed the ball up to Mary in her new position as ‘goalhanger’ and had several shots on goal before finally getting the ball over the line. Eliza and Delphine had plenty of action in defence as the Loretto attack were keen to score but some great stops from both girls just in front of the line kept the ball out. Heidi made a good run with the ball, trying to go wide to get the ball to Clara and the ball was soon back in our attacking circle ready for Mary once again. We quickly restarted with Grace defending the ball well at the centre, but with a quick lapse of concentration, Loretto scored their first goal to make the half time score 2 – 1.
As we started the second half, hands were getting colder and noses were getting redder but the girls carried on, determined to stay ahead. Loretto soon equalised and then also went one ahead. With new fight and spirit, Clara was on the ball and had the ball in the circle only to shoot wide at the goal. Great passing saw the ball back in the circle and another goal from Mary. The play moved from end to end with some more great defending and a great clearance from Eliza saw the ball to Heidi and then, with great tackling from Flora in the circle, she scored having won the tackle. A final push from the girls saw Grace scoop another over the line before the final whistle.
What a great match today girls in some really challenging conditions. You all played with 100% determination and it was this that won you the match. Never giving up on a tackle despite some cold hands. Very well done!
Man of the match as voted by Loretto: Clara
U9 girl of the match: Grace
Boys' Rugby
1st
/i/video/Rugby_2023/Boys_Rugby_U13_v_Loretto.mp4
2nd
Belhaven Second XIII 8 – 5 Loretto
An epic encounter took place in icy conditions on a blisteringly cold afternoon in Dunbar. Despite a tough season, the boys were determined to finish the season on a high. With a strong team out, captains Wilf and Eck set the early pace high. Running strongly with the ball and handling the ball superbly well in the context, Belhaven scored two early tries through Wilf and Struan.
Loretto stepped up the pressure and, straight from the restart following Belhaven’s second try, ran straight through a frozen defence – a pun very much intended. This was the only major defensive blemish of the day; the line speed remained high from then on as the two Ollys rushed up to thwart any further Loretto attacks. Tries from Noah and Eck ensured a comfortable half time lead of 4-1.
The second half continued in a similar fashion as passing standards continued to impress and running the ‘dumpy’ call looked like a good option through a combination of forwards Ivan, Monty, Jack and Emmanuel. More strong running from Struan ensured he was dubbed hat-trick hero for the day as Belhaven secured a comfortable win in highly uncomfortable conditions. This was a particularly pleasing result in that the performance reflected all the hard work they have put in during training sessions throughout the term. Well done, boys.
"Perfect rugby weather"
U11A
Loretto 4 – 9 Belhaven
On a particularly cold, wet winters day the U11s headed to Musselburgh for their final game of the season. With the windscreen wipers on full speed to push away rain and sleet, Mr Brown and I shared one thought – well, this is miserable!
As we arrived the Loretto boys were doing their warm up – blowing hot air into their cupped hands. The pre-game speech went something along the lines of, “the sausage rolls are only 30 minutes away boys, let’s get through this.”
I need not have been so pessimistic. The Belhaven boys paid no attention to the conditions, and played some fantastic rugby. Arguably their best team performance of the season. I think I’m right in saying they only knocked the ball on twice in the entire match, which was quite extraordinary given how numb their hands must have been and how slippery the ball was.
The first try of the match saw the ball being passed wide for Patrick to dance with the touchline before scoring in the corner. The second saw Wilbur jinking between players, and under the posts. The third saw Xander running almost the length of the pitch. Geordie added another showing great pace and side stepping. Patrick and Wilbur each bagged their second before the break – Wilbur’s coming from an audacious chip 5 meters from the opposition line. I had to pinch myself to check that I was indeed in cold wet Musselburgh and not watching the Hong Kong 7s. We went into the break 6 - 3 up. The sausage rolls were now only 15 minutes away.
The second half saw Patrick, Geordie and Xander each getting another try, to Loretto’s one. Whilst the speedsters crossed the line, many of the hard carries were done by Juan, Tristan and Ben. Each worked their socks off and provided the base for the rest of the team to play from. Georges, Oak, Tommy & Will each played a half and showed how far the team, and they as individuals, had come this season.
It was a pleasing result on the back of a very impressive performance. The team have come a long way since September; they should be delighted to finish the season with three wins!
Tries – Geordie (2), Patrick (2), Wilbur (2) & Xander (3)
Men of the Match – Juan & Tristan (the unsung heroes)
