As we get to half term, it is the perfect time to look back at the first few weeks of the season for the growing and thriving Junior Section. Starting with the Sussex Development League, both the Wolves and Llamas had strong starts to the season – with the Llamas unbeaten as we go into November and the Wolves winning 2 out of 3 of their league games so far – setting things up nicely for the run up to christmas.
This season for the first time, we have entered U14 Boys and Girls teams into the England Hockey National Championships. The 1st round was held at a sunny Angmering in early October with the Llamas U14 winning a thrilling penalty shoot out against East Grinstead with Harriet our GK being star of the show keeping a clean sheet in the eliminator, to send Worthing through 2-0. The boys game was just as exciting with Worthing just being edged out 1-3 in a tight competitive game against Brighton. Just before half time Alex scored to make it 1-2 – setting up an end to end 2nd half with Brighton holding out for the win in an excellent game.
Our younger juniors have been training regularly on Sunday mornings, with 2 sessions from 11am to 12noon and 12 noon to 1pm being well attended by over 30 new and more experienced players alike.
The next step is playing in matches. Earlier in October, our U12 girls played in their first mini tournament of the season hosted by Burgess Hill at the Triangle, scoring a victory alongside some narrow loses. The U12 boys also played their first mini tournament against teams from East Grinstead, Lewes, Crawley and St.Francis. Again the games were close and competitive with a great time had by all.
As we head into November, we look forward to more from the Sussex Development league, England Hockey Cups as well as arranging more U12 and U10 matches to build and enhance our fantastic junior section. https://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/teams/juniors/