Taylorian

Sport

Hockey

Rodriguez Arellano, A. Shah, V. Shukla, R. Vecchi, X. Zwiefka-Sibley. U14A The U14A team had a mixed season, but one which saw huge improvement as the weeks progressed. Including tournament matches they played thirteen, winning six and losing seven, with most of the wins coming in the second half of the season. There was a wealth of talent throughout the squads in this year group, which meant that emerging talent was continuously pushing everyone to give maximum effort in training sessions. Our rotation of three goalkeepers allowed them to each work on their strengths and develop their areas of weakness: we were lucky to have Agastya Daphale’s reaction speed, Rishi Lakhani’s tactical play, and Aryan Goria’s killer kicks. In attack, we had our captain Will Ford, highest goal scorer Zhennuo Wang, stick skill champion Thomas Bignone, and opportunity creator Joseph Hazan. In addition, our most improved player, Theo Souesi, demonstrated an impressive development of skills throughout the season, creating and scoring many goals. In the middle, Aran Fevzi used the width of the pitch to his advantage, and was supported strongly by Mayon Wanniarachchige, Ayan Patel, Sebastian Spight, and Nathan Bridge. Our strongest area of the pitch was a defence which

involved Thomas Haria, Thomas Baldwin, Barnaby Greet-Smith, Akash Dhana, Aahil Bhasin, and Fred Butler. Their marking and block-and-jab tackles were a true force to be reckoned with. One of the highlights of the season was the match against Magdalen College School: the first half hour was hotly contested, but we defended exceptionally and scored two goals to our opponents’ one. In the second half even more pressure was applied, but we played with even more pace and width to achieve two more goals, eventually running out 4-2 winners. Congratulations on an excellent season - Squad: A. Daphale, R. Lakhani, A. Goria, T. Bignone, T. Souesi, N. Bridge, F. Butler, A. Bhasin, A. Fevzi, S. Spight, W. Ford, B. Greet-Smith, M. Wanniarachchige, T. Haria, T. Baldwin, J. Hazan, Z. Wang, A. Dhana, A. Patel, P. Sen. U14B The U14Bs had a great season, with 6 wins, 2 draws and only a single loss (in a friendly fixture at the start of the season). Team skills developed well over the season and they never lacked enthusiasm and energy. We had a solid core of tenacious natural defenders and able goalkeepers, together with some skilful midfielders who were able to control bring on the next! Mr D. A. Westcott

U15C The U15Cs demonstrated the great depth in hockey quality at Taylors’; they had an assured confidence on the ball and were excellent at pressing the opposition when out of possession. Their statement of intent for the season was made clear with a confident 3-1 victory over Reed’s. Noah Lomas and Nikhil Mehta impressed greatly in this fixture with their vision on the ball and decisive runs; they were subsequently promoted to represent the U15Bs. Poor weather in January and February resulted in fixtures against Kimbolton, Felsted and Westminster being cancelled. The U15Cs continued to train well, though, and secured an impressive 7-4 win against Magdalen College School. As captain, Peter Nedeljkovic led by example, always pressing the opposition and making intelligent runs, while Viren Shukla’s confident ball-stick skills led to many attacking opportunities for his teammates, and two goals for himself. Reece Vecchi also showcased his talent in front of goal, scoring on four occasions. The season culminated with a 9-1 win against Bedford School and was indicative of the U15Cs style of play throughout the season; they developed strong build-up play in midfield with quick attacks down the wings. Reece Vecchi, Peter Nedeljkovic, Oscar Frenchman and Adi Shah formed a formidable attack. In midfield, Dylan Lakhani, Charlie Meadows and Milo Feeney-Oates were effective at turning over possession and then making attacking passes, while Freddie Ellis’s well-timed tackles added great stability to the team. In defence, Mateo Rodriguez Arellano, Xander Zwiefka-Sibley and Ethan Li were assured, meaning that with the exception of one fixture, the U15Cs conceded very few goals. This squad was impressive this season and it was a pleasure to coach them. Mr M. P. Powell Squad: Y. Ahmed, A. Chandaria, J. Dyer, F. Ellis, M. Feeney-Oates, O. Frenchman, J. Garvey, E. Greenaway, D. Lakhani, E. Li, N. Magecha, T. Mantzios, C. Meadows, P. Nedeljkovic (Capt.), R. Rajkumar, R. Razavi, M.

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Taylorian 2023