HOCKEY
U16A
Back row : T Francis , G Will , S Ngcongo Middle row : S Ngcobo , L Lenz , L Levin , K Kleiner , F Sulaiman , M Maphumulo Front row : J Campbell , A Greaves , A Bradford ( vice-captain ), Mr K Emerson ( coach ), R Stainbank ( captain ) C Hollaway , A Walstroom
The 2016 season was not only enjoyable , it was challenging and successful . It is always tough at the start of the season to bring the U15s and U16s together to create a team that can perform to its potential . The season started off with challenging matches at Nomads where our strengths and weaknesses were exposed . The thing that makes coaching College boys so enjoyable is that they are willing to train hard and better themselves as they play for each other and strive to reach their individual and team goals . Due to this , the U16A team played at a level above their potential as they executed a game plan that allowed them to outplay their opposition .
The first match of the season , against Jeppe , was a hotly contested match . We lost narrowly after conceding an unfortunate goal at a penalty corner . The highlight of Nomads was beating a very well structured and slick Wynberg team , 2-0 , where the players raised their game with a dominant performance . On the last day we went down 0-3 to a strong Selborne side . Good lessons were learnt which would prove vital during the season .
The regular season started with a trip back up to Grey College where two evenly matched teams could not be separated . The lads showed in this match that they could execute a game plan and work together as a team as they started to get the small things right . We then enjoyed a run of 12 wins in a row , not losing any games for the remainder of the season , which epitomised the character of the side .
In these 12 matches we scored 50 goals and conceded only four . The best victory was against Kearsney , a satisfying 9-0 , where chance after chance was converted and the team showed their capability . The next weekend we went on to beat Westville 4-0 after dominating the game from start to finish . In these two victories , the boys showed their versatility and ability to adapt to tactical changes during the match . Three times they came from behind to secure victory , against PBHS , Michaelhouse and Hilton . This team showed good fight and determination until the end , not settling for what was on the scoreboard .
The team ’ s strength was a solid defence that allowed us to turn ball over high in the opposition half and dominate territory . Some fantastic field goals and slick penalty corner variations were scored throughout the season . After 18 matches , the team won 14 , drew two and lost two , scoring 55 goals and conceding only 10 .
Player Critique :
R Stainbank ( SA U16A , Inland U16A , captain ): His ability to read the game and make important tackles to stop an attack is his obvious strength . He distributed with ease from the back and controlled our solid defence . He had a calming and inspirational influence on the team .
J Campbell ( SA U16A , Inland U16A ): Explosive speed and skill made him invaluable in attack . He pierced the heart of defences many times , connecting with the strikers to set up goal-scoring opportunities . He improved his defensive game this season as he played with maturity and confidence .
A Greaves ( SA U16B , Inland U16A ): His blistering speed and the way he attacked the baseline with conviction earned us many circle entries . He has the ability to eliminate his defender when he makes the correct decisions . His defensive game improved this year as he contributed to winning the team plenty of ball .
A Bradford ( SA U16B , Inland U16A ): He is a player who oozes composure and showed his versatility to play across the lines . Whether he was playing in the back four or in the midfield his presence was always felt . He distributed with ease and made telling contributions on attack and defence .
M Maphumulo ( SA U16B , Inland U16A ): He could turn a game around with a moment of brilliance . As he grew in confidence through the season he unlocked his potential going forward and looked very threatening . He asserted himself in the midfield as he controlled the game .
A Walstroom ( Inland U16A ): He was instrumental in the team ’ s ability to press our opposition effectively . He got himself into good scoring areas in the circle and learnt to connect well with the other strikers and midfielders .
C Hollaway ( Inland U16A ): His ability to go forward with the ball and play others into space allowed us to attack with strength down the right hand side of the field . He is a defender who loved being in the attacking third , but did not allow the opposition strikers many chances to get past him as he stifled many attacks .
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