U11

Eagle U11 v Finch

Final Score: Eagles 20 v Finch 7 (W)

The girls were a little nervous but mostly excited going into their first match of the season after the long summer break. Some of the girls were in different positions than last season, nevertheless they still gave it everything playing at 100%. First up this season was Finchampstead at the very nice sports centre at St Neots school. The girls got off to a good start, gaining an early lead and ended the first quarter 7-2 ahead.

Eagle U11 at Rushmoor

Nine of the u11a squad travelled to Farnborough for the Rushmoor tournament…. Priya named as the captain of the team comprising of Marta, Caitlin, Izzy, Maddi, Tabitha, Keira, Rebecca and Charlotte Y.

The u11 age group had 16 teams split into 2 sections and Eagles A were unbeaten for all 7 of their group matches…..some in really impressive style with loads of goals! In fact they scored 54 goals in the first 7 games!

The final match of the group stage was against local rivals Royals which was nail-biting stuff ending up in a 5 -5 draw.

Through to the semi finals they played Matrix and with the enthusiastic support of their idols from the u14s squad, they won with ease 7-1, only to discover the final was to be a repeat of the last group game!

Yes…. an east Berkshire final with Royals!!

The first half was end to end with some impressive defending by the Eagles team managing to disrupt the play of the skillful and strong Royals goal attack.

At half time the score was 2-2…..the title was up for the grabs and the parents were struggling to remain calm, let alone the players !

Unfortunately though the Eagles girls couldnt capitalise on their attacking opportunities and seemed to just run out of steam failing to get the ball into their D, allowing Royals to take the win in the last few minutes.

A fantastic squad performance with lots of versatilty.

Thank you to all the parents and fellow Eagles squads for their support.

Eagles U11 v Royals

Tense start sees interceptions from Helena and Marta and equally from Royals. It’s Royals that get it together first and score 2 great long-range shots. Eagles take time to settle, losing possession by launching the ball forwards and missing long-range shots. Royals go 3 up without reply but Eagles defence keep them in it and an interception on 7 minutes see the first score. Royals respond making it 4 and it takes another Helena intercept and a great shot from Maddi close it out 4-2 Royals.

The sound of Neil calling “Stop Launching” rings across the court; 5 times in the opening 3 minutes Eagles get the ball into the D only to see it go behind. Eagles are passing well, 3 fast moves and 3 scores take Eagles into the lead on 6 minutes for the first time. Royals come back immediately, then they’ve scored 4 without reply as Helena, who has done a stunning job in defence falls badly and has to go off injured. Priya leaps up to take her place. Eagles are playing well but are forced to shot from distance and it’s just not gong our way today. 9–6 Royals.

More changes of position and players as we try to respond to Royals who score 3 in 2 minutes, then it’s 5 in 4 minutes without reply and Royals have the upper hand. A long shot from Charlotte comes off to get Eagles on the score sheet; we have to get closer and Maddie does with 2 goals in quick succession. Royals aren’t done and they take their chances in the closing couple of minutes as ours go wide. It’s 17-10 and the girls have a mountain to climb in the last quarter.

Fresh legs in the form of Izzy and Tabitha gives us a boost but Royals again make a fast start with 2 goals in 2 minutes. Charlotte response and the intercepts start to come. The chances are there, shots hit the rim, one sits there for an age then drops in…it’s all Eagles now with some great passing but it’s too late and despite a good quarter the game ends in defeat for Eagles 21-13. Royals converted their opportunities on a day when finger tips made the difference.

Maddi was deservedly chosen as our player of the match, having played 4 different positions. Whilst we choose their excellent Goal Shooter. Well done Royals on an undefeated season. Well done Eagles on a great season too.

Eagles U11 v Royals

eagles_u11.jpg

On a very wet morning the girls gathered for this critical penultimate match of the season, knowing that a win today would set up a season decider against Royals in two weeks time. The whole squad was there, knowing that they wouldn’t all play but there as part of the team none the less.

Woodley got off to the better start. Fast fluid passes caught Eagles on the hop and 2 goals in under a minute put the girls on the back foot from the off.
The pace was frantic and as the girls woke up and started to make interceptions they found their form, scoring 4 goals without reply and the quarter ended 5-4 Eagles.

Neil was his usual gentle self in the break and the girls came out more awake and more focused for quarter 2. The frantic pace continued and so did the interceptions but Eagles could not capitalise on the turnovers fue to feeding in wild final balls into the D unable to be caught by our shooters. This meant that what could have been a 10 or 15 goal lead at half time was only 11 – 6 Eagles.

The girls were working really hard in a very competitive match. Eagles got off to the faster start in the third but there were signs that both sides were starting to tire and then Maddi who has covered every inch of the court (twice) had to go off with injured fingers. The quarter ended with Eagles taking a couple of late chances to be ahead, 16 – 9.

Final quarter and Woodley were still too close for comfort. The play was end to end with both teams making errors with poor passing and 4 minutes into the quarter only 1 goal had been scored.

Then the dam breaks and we have 4 goals in 90 seconds, two for each side. The end to end play continues, Woodley drew level for the quarter, Eagles respond to go ahead, Woodley come back again…Marta intercepts and it’s down the court to Helena, to Oona, to Charlotte…she’s a long way out but takes the shot and it’s in. The clock ticks down and Eagles win the match 22 – 13, the score not reflecting the closeness of the tie.

Charlotte Coates was awarded player of the match for Eagles after some great shooting and the Woodley Centre was recognised by Eagles.

Well done girls…all eyes turn now to the crunch match in two weeks time.

Thank you so much to Ian Thomas for the brilliant match report!!

Teams that play together….shop together apparently!!!

Teams that play together….shop together apparently!!!