Match Reports for Hockey and Netball Games against Loretto

Belhaven's Netball and Hockey Teams face Loretto

Match Reports

Wednesday, 21st January 2026

Boys' Hockey

1st Team

1st Boys’ Hockey

Opponents: Loretto Time: 2.30pm
Date: Wednesday, 21st January Venue: Loretto, Pinkie

Today the 1sts popped along the coast to play Loretto in another fast-paced game. In training this week we’d worked hard on passing the ball around the back and moving the opposition to create space and that was a key focus for today’s match.

With Xander out with an impressive black eye after copping a ball to the face on Monday, it was an excuse to blood some new players and to give others the opportunity to try a new position. So, Pat started in the striker role and both Thommy and Innes joined the squad to earn their first caps.

Right from the start, it was apparent that we were up against some good players with three or four of their best players from last year returning this season. We had the hit-off but they immediately put us under pressure. After a bit of to and fro, they won the ball in midfield and surged forwards, sending a ball through to their striker who found himself unmarked and he made the most of the one-on-one with Juan, taking an early lead. The rest of the first quarter saw the ball changing hands regularly as both teams tried to run the ball through players and were dispossessed. Wilbur benefitted from one such turnover and scored an equaliser. 1-1.

At the break, I reminded the boys of how we wanted to play, working to pass the ball around and getting it into the wide areas, going around the key opposition players and was delighted how they responded. A few minutes in, the ball found its way to Wilbur, under pressure, at top D and he slipped it wide to Fred who had come in off the right side and absolutely nailed his shot at goal, sending it racing past the ‘keeper and giving us the lead for the first time.

Two more goals were scored in the second quarter, both by Patrick who had got used to his role up front and was getting into good areas. The first was a bit of a freak when a flick from Wilbur was left by the ‘keeper, hit the side post and dropped in front of Pat who scrabbled it home from a yard out. The second was a better one all round with some excellent passing leading to a cross into the circle that Pat got on the end of. 4 – 1.

With a comfortable lead, the boys took their eye off the ball for a moment and Loretto were too good not to take advantage of that, scoring within the first 20 seconds of the third quarter hit-off. The rest of the quarter saw Belhaven having the best of the play as we got ever better at switching the point of attack, playing the ball around the back and passing into space for players to run onto. Fred worked tirelessly on the right and started to get ever more ball as Wilbur and Geordie, who was very dynamic and powerful at the back, offloaded quicker and more effectively. Fin carried well on the left side and started getting wider. Six minutes in, Wilbur, who never needs an excuse to attack and take a shot, fired one past the ‘keeper off his reverse. 5 – 2.

Tristan had had a good game, combining well with Geordie but I subbed him off to give Innes a go at the back and he was calm and solid. Fin also made way for Patrick to slot back into the midfield and Tommy took on the striker role. Tommy worked hard, harrying the opposition to good effect and came close to getting a goal on more than one occasion. In the end, it was Wilbur who made it a hat-trick, four minutes in and that was how it ended. 6 – 2.

Man for man, I think that the teams were very balanced and though the score line looks comfortable, it was never easy. What was the difference then? It all came down to teamwork and connections: we moved the ball around and, after the first quarter, passed it quickly and effectively, making ever better use of the wide channels. This was another very encouraging showing and it was great to see the boys responding to tweaks and suggestions and learning on the go as the match went on.

Final Score: Belhaven Hill 6 - 2 Loretto

Player of the Match: Wilbur - got steadily better at distributing the ball and scored an excellent hat-trick.

2nd Team

After a wonderful performance last week which sadly didn’t get the result it deserved, Belhaven’s 2nds headed to Loretto with justified confidence. The core team from last week remained the same, with Lukas, Fernando and Gaston joining the squad.

Belhaven started strongly, using the width well. Bertie and Alexander proved a nuisance to the Loretto defence, and it wasn't long before Belhaven got on the score sheet. A powerful cross into the box from Alexander found Bertie who confidently turned and slide it past the Loretto keeper. Alexander made it 2-0 with a wonderful back-stick shot from the edge of the D – the first goal of his hattrick.

Toby was rarely called upon in goal in the early stages of the match, with Ben and Will despatching any danger that came their way. Lukas was equally strong defensively when called upon and between the three of them they stopped many Loretto attacks calmly and confidently. As the match progressed Toby made a couple of wonderful saves, with the Loretto coach commenting on his performance.

Further up the pitch, Kaspar and Fernando showed good stick skills, and keeping their width provided some wonderful balls into the box for Gaston and others to make good use of. All in all, it was a wonderful team performance and resulted in a much-deserved win. It is difficult to pick just one man of the match. Alexander played fantastically well and was rewarded with his goals. Bertie was equally threatening up front, but I am going to pick Ben, who alongside Will provided the strong defensive base that gave the team confidence from the start.

Final Score: Loretto 1 – 4 Belhaven

Goals: Bertie, Alexander (3)
Man of the Match: Ben

U11B Team

U11B Boys’ Hockey vs Loretto

Opponents: Loretto Time: 14:00
Date: 29/01/2025 Venue: Hallhill

Belhaven faced Loretto on a cold, blustery afternoon and produced a dominant all-round performance from start to finish, in a match where our passing and aggressive dribbling set the tone early on Belhaven opened the scoring through Ruaridh, who finished smartly after an excellent assist from Dougal. We continued to build momentum, with Lochie R calmly slotting our second, before Lochie T added a third with a powerful strike. Just before half-time, Ruaridh struck again to make it 4–0 at the break.

Defensively, Max and Jonah were outstanding—timing tackles well and keeping Loretto away from goal throughout. In midfield, Sigi and Harvey worked tirelessly up and down the pitch, carrying the ball forward and driving play down the wings to keep the pressure on.

As the game wore on, Max and Jonah took their turns further forward and both deservedly got on the scoresheet with well-taken goals. Lochie R then rounded off the scoring with another excellent strike to complete a thoroughly convincing team performance.

A final word for Brixton in goal – unfortunately, very little to do all match, which says everything about the effort and concentration of the outfield players. Sorry, Brixton… a slightly quiet one for you!

Result: Belhaven 7 – 0 Loretto

Mr Brown

Girls' Netball

1st Team

Belhaven 19 – Loretto 5

The team travelled to Loretto today for their second match of the season. Having worked on trying to slow the game and moving into a space, there was some evidence of this in the match today. Iris won the toss and elected to start with the ball. Play was even for the first quarter. With each team scoring from their own centre pass, the Belhaven defence worked hard to try and break this. Molly and Beatrix made some good interceptions in defence to keep the ball out of the Loretto circle. Meanwhile in the Belhaven attacking end, Maggie and Bee created space in the circle and aimed for goal. By the end of the first quarter, the scores were even.

During the second quarter, Loretto crept ahead, breaking our centre pass as we made several basic errors on court, allowing them to take possession. It wasn’t until late in the quarter that the ball reached Iris in the circle who managed to score to bring the scores even once more.

A change of position for the third quarter saw Clemmie move to play GD, Bella into the centre and Bee as WA. This change worked well, with the girls rising to the challenge of a new position. Maggie had found her connection with the goal and scored some magnificent goals with the support of Iris, whilst Emily and Clemmie were great defensive support to Beatrix. By the end of the third quarter, Belhaven had crept ahead with a further 6 goals.

The Belhaven team dominated the final quarter but still had to work hard to keep possession. Beatrix and Clemmie were a super duo in defence, stopping the Loretto shooter from aiming for goal with some great interceptions. Bella used the centre of the court well to ensure she was in a good position and supported the shooters well at the edge of the circle.

This was really a game of two halves today. Even play in the first half of the match and during the second half, working hard to keep possession whilst Loretto fought hard for the ball. There were many basic errors creeping into the game today and we need to avoid these! Well done to those who rose to the challenge of playing a new position so well!

Player of the match as voted by Loretto – Bella
Mrs Gale’s player of the match – Bee

2nd Team

2nd Netball v Loretto
Belhaven 28 – Loretto 1

Belhaven Senior 2nds came away with a strong 28–1 win against Loretto in a game played at a high intensity from start to finish. Belhaven settled quickly, putting early pressure on through the midcourt.

Sylvia and Imogen worked hard in defence, picking up interceptions and making it difficult for Loretto to bring the ball into their attacking third.

Through the middle, Isobel, Holly, and Sophia controlled play well, keeping the ball moving and setting up plenty of attacking opportunities.

In the circle, shooters Anastasia and Rose were calm and consistent, taking their chances and building the score steadily across all four quarters. Belhaven’s communication and work rate never dropped, which helped maintain control of the game.

Loretto, however, showed real determination throughout. Their defenders battled tirelessly under constant pressure and forced several turnovers. Loretto continued to work the ball patiently and were rewarded with a well-deserved goal, a highlight of the match and a reflection of their positive attitude and resilience. Overall, a solid team performance from Belhaven, matched by Loretto’s effort and sportsmanship despite the tough scoreline.

U11A Team

Belhaven Under 11s produced a brilliant all-round performance to secure a convincing 18–6 victory over Loretto.

The team made an excellent start, dominating the first quarter to take a 6–1 lead with strong passing and great movement across the court. This momentum continued into the second quarter, with Belhaven extending their advantage to 10–2 through confident attacking play and tight defence.

The third quarter saw several positional changes, giving players the opportunity to develop new skills. Despite the changes, Belhaven continued to work hard, leading 12–5 at the end of the quarter and showing good adaptability and teamwork.

In the final quarter, the team regained their rhythm and finished the match strongly to secure the 18–6 win.

There were goals from Flora G, Annie, Eliza and Petra, all of whom worked tirelessly in the shooting circle. The mid-court was particularly impressive, with strong contributions from Mary, Grace and Holly, linking defence and attack effectively throughout the match.

Defensively, Dulcie once again delivered a solid performance, applying consistent pressure, while Flora F enjoyed an impressive A Team debut, showing great confidence and determination.

A fantastic team effort and another very encouraging performance from the girls.

Final Score: Belhaven 18 – 6 Loretto

U11B Team

Under 11s B Team Girls Netball against Loretto

Belhaven U11s Girls took on Loretto in a friendly but competitive netball match that perfectly captured the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. Loretto arrived with only four players, so the girls immediately stepped up by mixing the teams and lending players throughout the match to ensure the game could go ahead and that everyone had a fair chance to play and enjoy themselves.

Despite the mixed teams, Belhaven delivered a confident and energetic performance, winning the match 17–2. The girls worked exceptionally well together across the court, with communication standing out as a real strength. Calling for the ball and supporting one another, leading to numerous interceptions and turnovers, opening the door for consistent attacking opportunities. Defensively, the girls played really well and constantly applied pressure to their opposing player.

One element of this week's match was the fun opportunity for the girls to all try out new positions, and everyone embraced the challenge outstandingly. This really demonstrated the importance of having fun throughout the game whilst also giving each player more insight on how to improve their own game by understanding the role of each position. One highlight I was really happy to see was all the girls enjoying themselves with smiles and encouragement to their teammates throughout the game.

Within the shooting circle, Delphine had a cracking game, only playing a shooting position for two quarters but still scoring 8 goals. Similarly, Lexie scored 4, Coco scored 3 and Cleo scored 2. I was very impressed with the shooting particularly from the girls who had never had much experience in these positions.

There was no Player of the Match awarded this week, as the entire team embodied the Belhaven values and demonstrated great sportsmanship! From helping the opposition to celebrating each other’s successes, the girls played in exactly the right spirit and should be incredibly proud of their performance both on and off the court!

Addy

U9 Team

Belhaven Under 9’s versus Loretto

On a seasonably cold day at Belhaven the Under 9’s were happy to start their season with an indoor fixture. Our traditional start was the East Lothian derby with Loretto the visiting opponents.

In the first quarter Belhaven got off to a flying start with three quick goals from Iris (scoring two) and Tessa. The war cry of “squish-mallow” helped the ball sail into the net for a first quarter lead. In the second quarter the players rotated positions and this allowed other players an opportunity to attack. Eliza scored Belhaven’s next with a well taken shot. Ottilie was working hard to regain possession and support attacks with Madeline competing for the ball well too.

In the third quarter Belhaven started to move the ball with a bit more pace and without some resolute defending Belhaven might have scored from a number of attacks. None-the-less Tessa grabbed her second of the match.

In the last quarter the match continued very much in the same style with Belhaven dominating the midfield possession and carving out a few more chances. Iris scored to get her hat-trick in what finished in a well-earned victory.

Final score: Belhaven 6 – 0 Loretto

Coach’s thoughts:
This was a very positive start for the team. The showed they could compete effectively for the ball and could take opportunities when they came along. We saw some good fast passing, and this is something which we can keep working on over the next week. A great start and something to build from.
Player of the match: Eliza