Sunday 31st January 2010
Richmond & Wimbledon Mixed/Boys Mini Hockey Festival
Ashford had a return journey back to Richmond this week with mixed U9 team, U10 and U12 boys. The mixed team coaches Gordon Smith and Caroline Jefferies were particularly pleased with Captain Caitlin Davies who alongside, Lily Elms and Emily Bashford continuously battled away. They were joined by Reece Sharma, James Bashford, Sophie Jennings and her sister Lucy Jennings who all played their best. They faced some strong sides and despite losing 6 – 0, 2 – 0, 5 – 0 to Richmond Lions, Richmond Panthers and Wimbledon A teams they did manage a goalless draw against Wimbledon B. They are a very young side with James Bashford being the youngest at 5 years of age. Mum Jacqui Bashford who plays for the Ladies first team and is helping the team build their skills alongside the coaches was pleased to see her 3 rising stars playing for Ashford today.
The U10 boy’s team captained by Harrison Jefferies was joined by Kieron Horrill, Ben Glegg, Jagdev Bal, Jack Bayliss, and George Ridley with Lauren Clarey and Hannah Bashford making up the numbers. Kieron Horrill scored 2 goals, Hannah Bashford 1 and George Ridley got a well deserved hat trick. They came third in the tournament winning 3 – 0 then 4 – 0 against Richmond Lions but lost 1 – 0 and 2 – 0 against Richmond Panthers and Wimbledon.
The boys U 12 team started their tournament with a 1 – 1 draw against Richmond Lions but then won their second 3 – 0 against Richmond Panthers. Their 3rd game was against a strong Wimbledon side that only just beat them by 2 -1 but was very close with end to end play. They met Richmond Panthers again in the semis but comfortably sailed into the finals after winning 3 – 0. They met Wimbledon again in the final and another battle of end to end play looked like it was going to end in a draw but Wimbledon managed to gain the upper hand in the last few minutes winning 2 – 1 in the end and Ashford had to settle with runner up place 2 weeks in a row. Captain Adesh Aulakh was joined by Harrison Jefferies in some excellent defending with George Elms stepping in to play in goal at the last minute for the first time making countless saves. Sam Betts scored am impressive 6 goals during the tournament and Jack Ridley put 1 away after some great 1-2 hockey with Brother George Ridley. Danny Stent made his first appearance for the team with Beth Jefferies and Charlotte Elms stepping in as subs to make up the numbers to give players some rest after some of them had played 2 tournaments straight. Both Charlotte Elms and Beth Jefferies managed to score a goal each during their short time on the pitch.
Coaches Adrian Hewes and Sam Clarey were pleased with how all the teams played.
