Match Reports for games gainst Loretto
Belhaven Hill Girls' Hockey and Boys' Rugby match Reports for games against Loretto
Boys' Rugby
1st
It was yet another splendid sunny day for rugby as Belhaven found themselves in Mussleburgh for their final Wednesday fixture of the term. Loretto was the opposition on this occasion and, with three wins and three losses under their belt, Belhaven were looking to tcp the term off with a great performance. The game started brilliantly as, within two minutes, Ted went in after an interception to open the scoring. Loretto quickly fired back with a try of their own and the tempo of the game was set at a high level with a lot of physicality. For the next fifteen minutes both defences were on top with turnover following turnover, and neither getting far without dropping the ball under pressure. This first half was a fantastic defensive display from Belhaven as they halted effort after effort from Loretto. It took a loose ball and a fortuitous break for Loretto to score their second try just before half time to hold the lead.
Half-time score: Loretto 14 – 7 Belhaven
At half time we discussed Belhaven’s intensity in attack matching that of their defence and Belhaven started fantastically with Ted barging through tacklers before a powerful and weaving break from Johnny saw him crash over for the levelling score. The match seemed set up for a tight finish, but Loretto found the momentum in the game and after knocking at the door for three minutes of attack, they went over to take the lead, which they would not give up again. Everything started working for Loretto and some powerful running as well as good attacking play out wide resulted in Loretto pulling away. Belhaven continued to apply maximum effort but could not find a way through. The momentum had swung away from them, and they could not find a foothold to build an attack against a newly confident Loretto.
Final Score: Loretto 56 – 14 Belhaven
Player of the match: Fin
Coach’s thoughts: This was a tough finish for the team. We had talked in training about finishing the season well given the journey we had been on. The final result flattered Loretto somewhat but the result could not be disputed. Belhaven was beaten by a better team on the day. The effort that went in to stopping Loretto’s strong ball carriers again and again in the first half eventually had Belhaven exhausted by the middle of the second half and once the momentum had swung, the energy drained from the team. As usual, though, I am as interested in the performance as the result. For the first half, the defensive performance was superb. As good as I have seen. It was hesitancy in attack and not identifying that the space was out wide which cost Belhaven some opportunities. Disappointing day, but there is always something to take away from any game. I hope the players learn from this one.
U11
Belhaven 10 – 3 Loretto
The final match of the season brought a chilly winter's day. We talked before the game about making sure we ended the season on a high. With Loretto playing U11 and U10s rather than As and Bs, this gave an opportunity for the form 3 boys to play cohesively as a year group.
They started the match incredibly strong, with their defensive structure and high press putting Loretto under pressure. Pressure led to mistakes and the opportunity to attack. Hamish started the scoring and Harry grabbed a second soon after with an interception. The half time whistle came with the Belhaven boys 6 - 1 up; Hamish grabbing a second and Charlie, Rollo and Hector also crossing the line.
In the second half the structure broke down a little, which was partly a result of Mr White’s harsh refereeing to the boys in blue. However, the Belhaven boys continued to impress on the attack with Rollo scoring a hat-trick in the second half and Charlie a second. Going down to 7 players created a few more gaps in the defence which led to a couple more Loretto tries, but ultimately it was a convincing performance from Belhaven and a thoroughly deserved win.
The result brought the end to a fantastic season. Whilst the boys didn’t come away with silverware at 7s tournaments, nor achieve an unbeaten season (one try in the first game against Cargilfield scuppering our chances), they were as near as they could have possibly got. There is some fantastic talent amongst this group of boys and I very much look forward to seeing how they progress in the coming years.
Tries – Hector, Harry, Hamish (2), Charlie (2), Rollo (4)
Man of the Match – Hamish
U10
Final match of the season and what a season it has been. Our final fixture vs Loretto. This week we split into under 11s and under 10s. It was a good chance for both age groups to showcase their skills against boys the same age.
It was a lovely sunny, cold day and the boys were all well up for the challenge. Loretto arrived and after a good warm up we got straight into the action.
Loretto started strong with an early try and that set the tone for the match. We struggled to make tackles against Loretto’s strong runners. Wilbur was making some strong tackles breaking down the Loretto attacks. Tristan and Wilbur made some brilliant carries scoring a couple of tries each.
Half time came around and we were 4 tries down; a quick team talk and a drink at half time and into the action again.
The second half became increasingly better and a much cleaner game. Geordie and Fergus really took the half time team talk on board and started to make some good breaks. Tommy made two brilliant tackles in the second half that was amazing to see. The final whistle was blown, and it was a high scoring fixture.
The amount of progression the boys have shown over the season is phenomenal. They should all be immensely proud of themselves. Well done boys, rugby is over until next year!
Mr Brown
Final Score: Belhaven Hill 8 – 15 Loretto
Player of the Match: Wilbur and Tristan.
U9
Belhaven win 7 - 2
The pitches had luckily thawed out to let us play. All week the boys had been working hard at keeping a line and running through the gaps to offload to supporting runners. Ben led the team today and they all showed some good improvements: the boys tried to run straighter; they supported each other so were there for the pass and they did really well to try and hold their line and not run in towards the ball carrier. As a result there were some lovely tries from Xander, Alexander, Innes and Oak. Ben, William, Leo and Archie worked tirelessly to make touches, get back in defence and keep it all together.
Girls' Hockey
1st
The final match of the season was against Mrs Holliday’s other half, Mr Milne. It was also the last match for both staff at their schools. For all intents and purposes, it was the grudge match of all grudge matches.
The game started well for us. The midfield injected the ball behind the defences for Willow to create opportunities in the D. With some persistence and aggression, Belhaven got the score rolling with Bea battling the ball past the keeper. This pushed Loretto to act and they started pushing harder to win the 50:50 balls. In the end this paid dividends, going into half time at 1 - 1.
The start of the second half went Loretto's way. A short corner resulted in a goal which they followed up quickly with another one. Panic set in and Belhaven struggled to maintain possession. Another goal slipped in. The girls took a collective deep breath and went back to basics, getting their sticks on the ground. They stopped any more leaks and slowly started to gain the possession back, building up to more attacking forays until Willow was able to capitalise.
The game remained more level until the final whistle. The final score being 2 - 4 to Loretto.
It has been a pleasure, ladies. Good luck next term with Netball and with Hockey in your new schools!
U11
It was our final match of the season and we were up against our toughest opponents – Loretto. We had played them before in the tournaments and knew that we would have to put a huge amount of effort in. Our game started slightly scrappy and the passing was not as powerful as can be.
The super defenders, Bella and India, blocked a number of attacks on the D and Willow was stopping most shots on goal. Daisy was running the length of the pitch helping in defence and attack. Unfortunately, after the first 20 minutes we had not managed to score any goals against Loretto who had sneaked a few in.
Girls' Hockey: U11 a and b Teams v Loreto
But in the second half Wendy was powering the ball up the pitch into space for Maggie or Emily. Our two wings, plus Ottilie had a number of chances to take the ball into the Loretto D. Iris was tackling brilliantly and managed to steal a ball to pass out to Maggie on the wing. After a speedy run down the wing with a few passes in and out to Wendy, Maggie went on into the D to score a wonderful goal. Our second goal came from Emily who was stood on the post to score a perfect goal from a hard sweep in from Ottilie.
Although Loretto scored a high number of goals I was so impressed by how the Belhaven girls did not let this get them down at all. Their team spirit is as sparkly as the Christmas Star and they always show a huge amount of determination. I have so enjoyed coaching this team, every session they turn up with big smiles on their faces (even when it is freezing cold) and always put lots of effort in. Thank you for being such a hardworking, fun group of girls.
U9
Belhaven 4 – Loretto 2
Winter is certainly on the way judging by the freezing temperature today but this did not deter the U9 girls from their final game of the season. We arrived and warmed up and the girls were reminded to stay focused during the match, as they knew Loretto would want to fight back this match.
We got off to a good start, with some good passes between the team. Holly fed the ball through to Alice in the circle and this time, was she quickly met by a Loretto defender. After some fierce tackling and passes around the circle Holly scored the first goal. Back to receive the ball from Loretto at the centre, the team worked hard to defend the ball. Lara was brilliant in midfield, also dropping back to defend, whilst Isabella tried to get the ball out wide. Some good movement on the ball and a good pass forwards to Sophia, saw a second goal for the team. It was soon time for Loretto to look for their goal and despite some good chances, the ball went wide. Isobel made some good free hits from her defensive circle and the ball made its way to Anastasia who made up a lot of ground on the pitch before passing to Holly, who shot at goal – but was outside the circle! We reset and this time the ball moved up the pitch with a great run from Isabella and the same happened, a shot at goal (that went in) but was made from outside the circle. By half time, we had scored two goals.
A quick chat to ensure the girls knew what to work on in the second half, before Holly started the game again. Passing the ball back to Isabella and then making space on the pitch worked well to find the ball in our attacking circle once more. A good pass from Alice to Sophia and into the goal all within the first couple of minutes of the second half. Loretto were quick to fight back. They were determined to score and already having had some shots at goal, that were saved by Sylvia and Isobel, they found a gap in the defence and took a shot to score. Loretto were quick to fight back a second time and scored again very quickly. With everything to play for, the match was really exciting - the ball moved between the teams, end to end. Trying really hard to stop every free pass that Loretto took, sticks were down at every opportunity and the team were trying hard to create space. A great clearance from Sylvia from the defensive circle through to Anastasia and onto Sophia saw the final goal of the match.
Well done girls – this was such an exciting match to finish off the season and could have ended either way. You fought hard to gain possession of the ball throughout the game.
Three stars and a wish from this match:
Putting sticks down when ready to face a free pass Movement on the ball and beginning to make space by dribbling Fantastic teamwork
Well done – keep up these great hockey skills for next year!
