Youngsters move up again as girls continue their stellar rise through ranks
THE HALIFAX girls 10 and under hockey team played their second tournament in the Yorkshire Youth League Division Four, having started the season as a brand new team in Division Five and being promoted first time out.
Three wins from three was a convincing way to secure their second promotion and up to league three.
Their first match was against Harrogate. Newcomers Savannah Earle, Jessica Sanderson and Evelyn Rooke had not played in the first tournament but took no time to grow into the game and Halifax were soon in the ascendency. Lucy Hampshire scored both goals to secure the win.
Next up was Sheffield who proved tricky opponents and ensured Ava Greenwood, who had been a virtual bystander in the first game, was busy in goals.
Greenwood made some key saves, kicking the ball out of the goal circle to safety and setting the ball going forward.
Scarlett Dodds was immense at the centre of defence, making some great tackles and clearing the ball strongly from 16 yard hit outs to set up the forwards.
This led to several chances for the forwards and after good approach play by Edie Jones, Connie Wood took advantage, capping a great performance to score the game’s only goal.
Halifax then had to play Selby, who had also won their matches against the other two teams, so in effect a final to decide who was going to finish top.
Selby started brightly and following a mix up in the Halifax defence, scored the opener.
Halifax recovered from the slow start and started to threaten regularly but it looked like Selby were going to hold out until Hampshire found the back of the net to draw the scores level.
With just two minutes left Sanderson tucked the ball inside the far post to seal victory and promotion for Halifax.
Halifax are forming a second 10 and under team as numbers are growing.
Any boy or girl who is interested in joining the team can find out more information by contacting the Junior Academy Director by email on: Paulmgraham@hotmail.co.uk.