This was a mixed season of results for the ever dedicated and always enthusiastic Under 13 A team. Due to our bad weather during the winter it has been the shortest season I have ever coached, which I feel did not give this team the chance to develop as far as they could. Nonetheless I am very proud of the progress the girls have made this year. They have trained hard on their basic skills and game play, showing a vast improvement in team performance and overall confidence.

We started the season against the ever difficult Sullivan Upper and Ballyclare High School teams. We did not win, but RUTH GIBSON (RW) did score our first goal of the season, making it a promising start. We worked hard in training over the next couple of weeks on possession play, winning tackles, clearing wide and fitness. By the start of October we were definitely improving and went on to draw two out of the next three games against Wallace High School, Banbridge Academy and Larne Grammar. Unfortunately the bad weather stopped the great progress we were making and we had to wait until January to play Wellington College. This was a super performance by the girls, winning the game comfortably with KATIE MONTEVERDE (LW) scoring two goals from the left post, and ABBEY WALKER (CM) having a fantastic strike into goal from a short corner disallowed.

However, our definite improvement did not let us continue our winning streak against Regent House, a very impressive Belfast High side and Down High. One of the reasons I feel for this was not playing to win in the first half and having to work extra hard in the second half to gain a good result. Usually this is when the girls played some of their best hockey and showed great determination and team spirit. Playing their best from the starting whistle is something to focus on for next year.

All credit must go to the girls and, true to form, they proved they could do it in our penultimate against R.S. Dungannon. We won one-nil by scoring early in the first half, defending superbly and creating good scoring opportunities in the second half, and also in our final game against Strathearn where we played superbly from the start of the game and were unlucky to lose this game to one goal late in the second half. Another valuable lesson for this young team to learn is that if we get chances against teams like Strathearn we have to make the most of any opportunity to score and secure a win early on in a game.

In terms of the players, first and foremost it is important to mention our valiant goal keeper LAUREN MOFFATT who had a fantastic season. She has been invaluable this year, making amazing saves and clearances in every match. Her saves regularly kept our score line to a minimum. She was helped by a superb defensive line of EMILY HARMAN(S), PAIGE BAILIE (CB/LB), CABRINI BROWN (CB), EMILY LANE (RB) and ANNA EARLS (LB) who worked tirelessly every week to clear wide and feed the ball to the midfield and forwards. Lauren, Emily and Cabrini are players to watch out for next season with Emily Lane gaining my vote as the most outstanding player this season and Anna Earls the most improved. They are very capable and talented players who I feel have grown greatly in confidence and skill.

Midfield is a very demanding position, requiring players to link the defence and attack. Both ERIN SMYTH (LM) and ELLEN MURDOCK (RM) worked tirelessly and effectively all season, adapting well to new patterns of play and linking really well with KATIE MONTERVERDE (LW) and RUTH GIBSON (RW) to create scoring opportunities. In particular ABBEY WALKER (Captain) was our playmaker in centre midfield. She is a very talented and hardworking player, and a real asset to the team.

Our forward line, including BECKY MCDONALD (CF) has grown in confidence throughout the season. This, I know, will only improve next season alongside a winning attitude in the circle. The battle for top scorer was won by Katie Monterverde, followed closely be Ruth Gibson. Well done girls!

It is also important to acknowledge MORGAN HARRSION (M), OLIVIA CULLEN (RB) and HANNAH GIBSON (S) who all played extremely well this season on the Under 13 Bs and have been an asset to the As when needed.

I would like to thank the girls for the commitment they have shown throughout the season and their fun and positive attitude every Saturday morning. Working with the team has been a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable experience. Good luck next season!

MRS R GRAY (COACH)