U14 Girls Raiders March onto National Finals

On Sunday, April 27th, the Under 14 Girls Raiders played their final Supra League game against Clifton Robinsons. They secured a 3-3 draw, which was enough to earn them a rightful place at the National Finals on Sunday, May 18th. All those at TBB wish the girls best of luck at Nationals. Below are some words from those involved.

COACH:

"Our game against Clifton at the weekend was a very even game with lots of opportunities for both sides, particularly Bath. The girls fought really hard in the warm weather and put a lot of effort into practicing different tactical elements in preparation for the National Finals. The outcome of the game meant we secured the point to finish at the top of the league, and we are now looking forward to going to the National Finals; which is a well deserved achievement for the girls" 

PLAYER:

"Our last game of the season was against Clifton Robbies. It was a very hot day but we got off to a strong start with an early goal in the first few minutes. Clifton responded with confidence and we went into half time 2-1 down. After some oranges and sweets to help lift our energy, we came back with our heads high and started to improve on our transfers. Clifton scored again but we didn’t give up - with a direct goal in a short corner and a equaliser in the last two minutes of the game we ended our season with a 3-3 result and a ticket to the National Finals!" 

PARENT: 

"It was a great pleasure to watch the U14 girls this season. The younger girls who moved up from the U12s integrated well into the team and as an outsider it looked like a very cohesive group. The girls seemed to have fun, support each other and enjoy playing hockey together. From the sidelines the team spirit came across as very solid, supportive and caring, with lots of laughter.

As the season progressed, the girls found their rhythm and gelled as a team. The play in some matches was simply outstanding, with beautiful passing, great communication and fantastic teamwork. The resounding feeling from the sidelines was that this team thoroughly deserves to go to the National Finals in Nottingham on the 18th May.

They went into the last match against Clifton with their place at the Nationals already secured. Maybe it was this knowledge that didn’t necessarily bring out their best performance in that match which ended in a 3:3 draw. Unfortunately, many chances in the D couldn’t be converted. Let’s hope for more goal-scoring prowess in Nottingham – and for the girls to continue to thrive as a team, support each other as they have done and have fun.

A quick shout-out also to all the parents who always show up with positive attitude and readiness to support the team in an encouraging manner. It is good fun sharingthe sidelines with you. Let’s see where the girls take us next"