The focus this week at the Worthing College Sports Performance Programme was at County level with two of the squads representing the College in their respective County Cup Finals. First up were the Netball Performance Programme, who were taking on Hurstpierpoint College. The match was played at Burgess Hill School for Girls, but despite this Worthing took a large following of supporters to hopefully see the squad victorious.
Following success at the Sussex round of National Schools, Worthing were the favourites however a Cup Final is a completely different game as those of us who have been around a while know. Worthing started slowly missing the first three shots with Hurstpierpoint taking their opportunities to take an early 3-0 lead. Worthing struggled to find form throughout the court, nerves getting the better of them against a much improved Hurstpierpoint team. Defensively, as the quarter went on, Worthing improved and with more opportunities to score, the first quarter ended 7-8 down. The message from Performance Programme Coach Tina Price, was to calm down, believe in themselves, work harder at hunting the ball down and hopefully the performance would improve. This was unfortunately not the case in the 2nd quarter, which saw Worthing slip behind by 4 points.
Changes were made at half time to freshen up the approach and hopefully get Worthing back into the final. Emily Begley came on at Goal Shooter and Mele Stubbs at Goal Defense with Mele Jackson moving back to GK. Emily shot brilliantly under pressure and that gradually pulled the defecit back to one goal at the end of the third quarter. A fast and furious match was beginning to take its toll on the Worthing side, which meant further changes. Sarah Uncles replaced the hard working Anna Van Eetvelt at Centre, Vicky Bowles moved to WD and Katy Finlay to WA. Despite fatigue setting in Worthing remained in the game and with a minute to go were still only a point down and with Hurstpierpoint playing a dangerous possession game, Worthing stole back possession and hot shot Begley scored the equaliser, much to the delight of the travelling Worthing supporters.
As the scores were level at the end of normal time, two halves of two minutes were played of extra time with the scores reset. In the first period Worthing managed to take a 2-1 lead, which was the first time they were ahead in the whole final and it was a lead they were not going to relinquish. In the second period Mele Jackson rebounded a Hurstpierpoint shot, which was played safely down court and it was that girl Begley again to seal a 4-1 win in extra time.
Tina Price was ecstatic with the sides attitude "today was a brilliant fightback from the girls and it shows that a game is never lost until the final whistle goes. The girls have been a pleasure to coach this season and have deserved to gain this accolade from all their hard work and efforts. I would also like to thank the travelling support as they really got behind the team and hopefully they gave the girls a lift when they needed it."
With one County Cup success the travelling support moved onto Lancing FC to watch the Men's Football Performance Programme 1st XI, who were taking on Bexhill College in their County Cup. Up to 150 supporters witnessed an entertaining final, where two types of football clashed. Worthing's passing and expansive game came up against Bexhill's physical and direct approach.
The start of the final was a tense affair with both teams surrendering possession all too easily. Once the game settled it was Worthing's passing style that seemed to come to the fore. A direct Joe Warner run down the left led to an excellent pull back to oncoming midfielder Jon Watkins, who blasted over to waste a golden opportunity. It was not long though until Worthing took the lead. All the set piece work in training paid off when Dave O'Callaghan's corner was met by Warner, whose flicked header found Ryan Fergany, who cooly slotted the ball into the top corner. The rest of the half saw Worthing's back line defending extremely well against the set piece threat that Bexhill had with their considerable size, however Worthing were still dangerous up the other end. An O'Callaghan short corner to Toko Moyo was laid back to the midfielder and his strike was excellently tipped over the bar.
The word from coaches Dave Hall & Danny Cullip at half time was to continue to work hard off the ball to keep the teams shape to give them the best possible chance to be victorious. Worthing started the second half brightly and this led to Worthing doubling their lead. A Fergany cross was met by Moyo, who volleyed a pass into Watkins. As he turned the defender and was about to shoot a Bexhill foot prodded the ball into the far corner.
With Worthing in the ascendency it was vital that focus was maintained to make sure the Cup was theirs. However there was still drama to come, when defender Dan Heward handled in the penalty area instinctively, which led to his dismissal. Bexhill thought they were back in this final with 20 minutes to go, however they didn't count on Worthing stopper James Binfield pulling off an excellent diving save to his right to make sure Worthing maintained their clean sheet. Binfield was again called into action, this time a superbly timed tackle on the dangerous Bexhill number 9, a tackle that any centre half would have been proud of.
Worthing re-orginised quickly with Fergany being replaced by holding midfielder Matt Hardman to sure things up in the middle of the park. Even with the one man disadvantage Worthing still looked dangerous in attack. A Dave O'Callaghan free kick was only parried by the goalkeeper, Moyo followed up, but put the ball over the bar, when it seemed easier to score. Worthing did finally get a deserved third. The tireless Joe Warner read a headed back pass, flicked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper and dived to ensure the result was 3-0 and the County Cup was going the short distance to Worthing.
Performance Programme Coach Dave Hall praised the squads performance "The shape defensively of the team tonight was excellent. This allowed us to frustrate Bexhill and then catch them when we were in possession. Each player did their specific job superbly and it was great to see this team functioning so well and this was especially apparent when we went down to 10 men. From all their hard work in training and games this season I'm so pleased that they now have a piece of silverware to show for their attitude and efforts. I would also like to thank all those that came to watch as I'm sure at times they were the 12th man. Our attention must now be on the 2nd XI County Cup Final as well as securing the ECFA National League title."
So with two County Cups won its now the turn of the Women's and 2nd XI Men's Football squads to look to achieve the improbable. A Worthing College Quadruple!
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Monday 19 March 2012
Friday 16 March 2012
County Cup Final 1 of 4 - A Good start...
Netball County Cup Final v Hurstpierpoint Wed 14 March 3.30 k/o
A coach took the netball squad, together with supporters from the Rugby Academy and the remaining Netball Academy members to Burgess Hill for an eagerly awaited final againstg Hurstpierpoint.
Following success at the Sussex round of National Schools, Worthing were the favourites however a cup final is a completely different game as those of us who have been around a while know. Worthing started slowly missing the first three shots with Hurst scoring theirs to take an early 3-0 lead. Worthing struggled to find form throughout the court, nerves getting the better of them against a much improved Hurst team. Defensively, as the quarter went on, we improved and with more opportunities to score, the first quarter ended 7-8 down.
The girls were told to calm down, believe in themselves, work harder at hunting the ball down and things would improve.
Unfortunately they didn’t !. Shots were still being missed and the centre court were struggling to feed the circle. Worthing were 4 a drift at half time.
Half time was the time to change things, Emily Begley on at Goal Shooter and Mele Stubbs on at Goal Defence with Mele Jackson moving back to GK. Emily shot brilliantly under pressure and we gradually pulled the defecit back to one goal. Mele J had to deal with some very unpleasant parents from Hurst which needed Brdges and Hall to go and stand behind her goal for support. A role Ben took over for the final quarter.
Fourth quarter still a goal down, further changes made as Anna was exhausted after she had tracked up and down court tirelessly due to the nature of the game. Sarah Uncles to Centre, Vicky Bowles to WD and Katy Finlay to WA. Worthing remained a goal down and with two mins to play Hurst decided to play possession netball – an extremely dangerous tactic as I know from experience. With 30 seconds remaining Worthing Stole possession and Emily Begley scored. Worthings support went wild.
In netball it goes to 2 mins each way extra time then golden goal.
Worthing took the centre and Emily scored, Hurst equalised, Worthing scored again and managed to keep Hurst at bay till 2 mins had passed. 2.-1 Worthing, first time all afternoon Worthing had been in front. Our centre pass and Katie Pearcy scored to give us a 3-1 lead. Hurst battled but a missed shot was rebounded by Mele Jackson, played safely down court for Emily to score 4-1 with 49 seconds to play – first time I relaxed all afternoon.
A brilliant fight back to prove a game is never lost till the final whistle goes.
Girls you have been a pleasure to coach this season and deserve to win the cup.
Supporters – you were brilliant.
Tina
A coach took the netball squad, together with supporters from the Rugby Academy and the remaining Netball Academy members to Burgess Hill for an eagerly awaited final againstg Hurstpierpoint.
Following success at the Sussex round of National Schools, Worthing were the favourites however a cup final is a completely different game as those of us who have been around a while know. Worthing started slowly missing the first three shots with Hurst scoring theirs to take an early 3-0 lead. Worthing struggled to find form throughout the court, nerves getting the better of them against a much improved Hurst team. Defensively, as the quarter went on, we improved and with more opportunities to score, the first quarter ended 7-8 down.
The girls were told to calm down, believe in themselves, work harder at hunting the ball down and things would improve.
Unfortunately they didn’t !. Shots were still being missed and the centre court were struggling to feed the circle. Worthing were 4 a drift at half time.
Half time was the time to change things, Emily Begley on at Goal Shooter and Mele Stubbs on at Goal Defence with Mele Jackson moving back to GK. Emily shot brilliantly under pressure and we gradually pulled the defecit back to one goal. Mele J had to deal with some very unpleasant parents from Hurst which needed Brdges and Hall to go and stand behind her goal for support. A role Ben took over for the final quarter.
Fourth quarter still a goal down, further changes made as Anna was exhausted after she had tracked up and down court tirelessly due to the nature of the game. Sarah Uncles to Centre, Vicky Bowles to WD and Katy Finlay to WA. Worthing remained a goal down and with two mins to play Hurst decided to play possession netball – an extremely dangerous tactic as I know from experience. With 30 seconds remaining Worthing Stole possession and Emily Begley scored. Worthings support went wild.
In netball it goes to 2 mins each way extra time then golden goal.
Worthing took the centre and Emily scored, Hurst equalised, Worthing scored again and managed to keep Hurst at bay till 2 mins had passed. 2.-1 Worthing, first time all afternoon Worthing had been in front. Our centre pass and Katie Pearcy scored to give us a 3-1 lead. Hurst battled but a missed shot was rebounded by Mele Jackson, played safely down court for Emily to score 4-1 with 49 seconds to play – first time I relaxed all afternoon.
A brilliant fight back to prove a game is never lost till the final whistle goes.
Girls you have been a pleasure to coach this season and deserve to win the cup.
Supporters – you were brilliant.
Tina
Sunday 11 March 2012
Hallsy's Weekly Look Around the Academy - So close...
Worthing College Men's Football Performance Programme 1st XI reinforced their lead in the ECFA National Premier league after fighting back from 2-1 down to defeat East Berkshire 4-2 at East Preston FC and avenging the ECFA National Cup defeat earlier on in the month. Worthing took the lead through a long range Ryan Fergany effort, but East Berkshire took the lead after two defensive errors to go into the break 2-1 ahead. After a change in personnel and some constructive words, Worthing's response was excellent with the returning Fergany scoring two minutes into the second half to get the game back to all square. A second change saw Toko Moyo come into the fray and his impact was almost instant, as he ran onto a through ball, beat the East Berkshire goalkeeper, only to be brought down by him to concede the penalty. Top scorer Joe Warner stepped up to give Worthing the lead. Moyo again was in the thick of the action and it was his closing down that forced an error from the East Berkshire captain, which led to Moyo being upended for the second time. The result was the same with Warner striking his penalty into the opposite corner from the first to seal the win. Worthing's three points took them 9 points clear and with Kingston losing to AFC Wimbledon, Worthing have now secured at least second spot, which guarantees a National Play off spot, but coach Dave Hall does not want the squad to rest on their laurels "Both squads have been excellent this season, especially with their willingness to learn and develop. This is now the business end of the season where all competitions are up for grabs and the players need to stay focused to hopefully win the league to ensure a home draw in the playoffs, but first and foremost the upcoming County Cup Finals for both squads are the immediate priority."
The Rugby Performance Programme had their second season defining match in as many weeks as they took the long trip to Exeter in the British Colleges' National League Playoff Quarter Finals. Worthing were out the blocks quickly and didn't seem to be affected from the 4 hour road trip as they quickly went into a 15-0 lead. However the home side got themselves back into the game and scored a game defining try, which was converted to edge Worthing out 26-25. Performance Programme Coach Ben Coulson was proud of his players "despite the long journey we started extremely well and the players gave it their all and left everything on the pitch. Its not the first time that the Rugby Programme have been beaten in the final stages of a National Competition over the last three years, so the players just need to dust themselves off and go again, especially as the squad still have the BCS National Cup last 4 against Myerscough, which will again be a test and one that I'm sure they will give their all in."
The Women's Football Performance Programme again had two matches in a week, but this time their week was and extremely positive one scoring 16 goals and only conceding one in the process. Firstly Worthing overcame Priory College, who are linked to Charlton Athletic 5-1. On Friday Worthing had a Sussex Schools league match against Steyning, which gave Performance Programme Coach Mike Bridges the opportunity to play some squad players as well as those coming back from long term injury. Worthing's attitude was excellent and this showed with the 11-0 scoreline. Despite the difference in class coach Bridges thought that it was still a worthwhile work out to ensure that competition for places in high coming into the upcoming County Cup Final against Chichester on March 21st at Worthing FC with a 7.30pm kick off and entry on the night is free.
The Worthing College Sports Performance Programme has an already well updated blog site and Facebook fan page, which keeps all up to date with news, reports and photos from all the Programmes work. It has now launched a YouTube channel where all the footage from match analysis DVD's are online for all to view. To subscribe to this site visit http://www.youtube.com/user/wcacademyofsport?ob=0&feature=results_main or type "Worthing College Sport" into the YouTube search bar.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
The Rugby Performance Programme had their second season defining match in as many weeks as they took the long trip to Exeter in the British Colleges' National League Playoff Quarter Finals. Worthing were out the blocks quickly and didn't seem to be affected from the 4 hour road trip as they quickly went into a 15-0 lead. However the home side got themselves back into the game and scored a game defining try, which was converted to edge Worthing out 26-25. Performance Programme Coach Ben Coulson was proud of his players "despite the long journey we started extremely well and the players gave it their all and left everything on the pitch. Its not the first time that the Rugby Programme have been beaten in the final stages of a National Competition over the last three years, so the players just need to dust themselves off and go again, especially as the squad still have the BCS National Cup last 4 against Myerscough, which will again be a test and one that I'm sure they will give their all in."
The Women's Football Performance Programme again had two matches in a week, but this time their week was and extremely positive one scoring 16 goals and only conceding one in the process. Firstly Worthing overcame Priory College, who are linked to Charlton Athletic 5-1. On Friday Worthing had a Sussex Schools league match against Steyning, which gave Performance Programme Coach Mike Bridges the opportunity to play some squad players as well as those coming back from long term injury. Worthing's attitude was excellent and this showed with the 11-0 scoreline. Despite the difference in class coach Bridges thought that it was still a worthwhile work out to ensure that competition for places in high coming into the upcoming County Cup Final against Chichester on March 21st at Worthing FC with a 7.30pm kick off and entry on the night is free.
The Worthing College Sports Performance Programme has an already well updated blog site and Facebook fan page, which keeps all up to date with news, reports and photos from all the Programmes work. It has now launched a YouTube channel where all the footage from match analysis DVD's are online for all to view. To subscribe to this site visit http://www.youtube.com/user/wcacademyofsport?ob=0&feature=results_main or type "Worthing College Sport" into the YouTube search bar.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Sunday 4 March 2012
Hallsy's Weekly Look Around the Academy - Could it be a clean sweep...?
The Worthing College Sports Performance Programme were looking to make it a clean sweep of their squads making County Cup finals this season. With the two Men's Football and Women's 1st XI Football squads already in their respective finals it was the turn of the Netball and Rugby Under 18's programmes to see if they could add to the three finals with Worthing College representation.
The Netball Performance Programme travelled east to take on Mayfield School of St Leonards in their County Cup Semi Final. Despite not firing on all cylinders in the first quarter Worthing still took a 9-4 lead into the second quarter where they extended their lead to 18-9 at half time. Only the defensive work of Mele Jackson and shooting accuracy of Katie Pearcy ensured that this lead was in tact. Changes were made to hopefully improve Worthing's performance with Emily Begley coming on at GS and Katie Finlay at WA. Mayfields also made changes, but fortunately for Worthing the tempo of the game was not altered and with Pearcy continuing her shooting accuracy along with Hannah Pannell and Sarah Uncles stepping up in defence and thus booked Worthing's place in their final with a 39-23 victory. Performance Programme Coach Tina Price was happy with the outcome "In semi finals the result is all important and today we got the result, but all the players know that they will need to perform better in the final if the squad wants to win the tournament that gives you the accolade of best team in the County for this season."
The Rugby Performance Programme were looking to make it five Worthing College squads in County Cup finals when they took on Sussex Downs of Lewes in their under 18's semi final. Unfortunately Worthing started slowly and were quickly 15-0 down. Some readjustments and strong team spirit put Worthing back into the game, but their slow start cost them to eventually go down 22-19. Luke Calleja, Josh Bath and Lewis Maslen touched down with Barney Lyons converting two of the tries. Performance Programme Coach Ben Coulson knows that the players will come back stronger when saying "it was a shame that the team didn't start well, which put them on the back foot straight away and set the precedence. The squad are obviously hurting, but have taken on board this defeat and will look to bounce back straight away in the BCS Under 19's Elite League Playoff last 8 away at Exeter College."
The Women's Football Performance Programme had two BCS Elite League matches this week against the top two teams in the division. First they took on Oaklands College (Arsenal FC) in a match played at Worthing College. Worthing put in a brave performance and competed with their more illustrious opponents for most of the match, but in the end that extra bit of quality showed for Oaklands to come out 4-2 winners. Amy Potkins and Sophie Frost were on target for Worthing. Due to league completion deadlines and the poor weather conditions last month the same squad had to play two days later against Thurstable College (Colchester FC). Worthing again battled hard, but fatigue was definitely their downfall against high quality opponents and were defeated 4-1, with Jade Widdows on the scoresheet. "The squad has been competing all season against high quality opposition in the highest grade in Women's College Football in the Country, so in defeat the players can only learn from their experiences and take this into their future development, which is one of the main areas that we pride ourselves on in our performance programme." coach Mike Bridges said in reflection in what was a tiring week for the Women's Football Programme.
The Men's Football Performance Programme only had one match this week. With the 1st XI having a rest week the 2nd XI took on Chichester College in the BCS Performance League. Both coaches Danny Cullip and Dave Hall had the opportunity to see how the 2nd XI is developing in preparation for their County Cup final. Worthing began well and were looking to play effective football on a compact pitch and took the lead from an Abdoulie Bah mis-hit cross into the top corner. When in command of a game its important to capitalise on chances created, but Worthing were left to rue this and just before half time Chichester equalised after a defensive error. The second half followed the same suit as the first with Worthing dominant and missing chances, whilst Chichester were a threat on the break. In the end the shares were spoiled, but Worthing could see this as a couple of points lost. Nathan Webster starred for Worthing in the middle of midfield, who is coming back from a long injury lay off and is definitely looking to stake a claim for a 1st XI start in the coming weeks.
Over the next couple of weeks Worthing College are in four County Cup finals. If you wish to come along and support your local College sports teams the dates, times & venues are as follows; On Wednesday 14th March the Netball County Cup Final opponents to be announced. Game to be played at Burgess Hill School for Girls with a 2pm tip off. On Wednesday 14th March Men's Football County Cup Final 1st XI against either St Bedes or Bexhill. Game to be played at Lancing FC with a 7.30pm kick off with a £3 entry fee including a match programme. On Wednesday 21st March Men's Football County Cup Final 2nd XI against Thomas Bennett of Crawley. Game to be played at Lancing FC with a 7.30pm kick off with a £3 entry fee including a match programme. On Wednesday 21st March Women's Football County Cup Final against Chichester College. Game to be played at Worthing FC with a 7.30pm kick off, which will be free entry. All players would really appreciate the town's support.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
The Netball Performance Programme travelled east to take on Mayfield School of St Leonards in their County Cup Semi Final. Despite not firing on all cylinders in the first quarter Worthing still took a 9-4 lead into the second quarter where they extended their lead to 18-9 at half time. Only the defensive work of Mele Jackson and shooting accuracy of Katie Pearcy ensured that this lead was in tact. Changes were made to hopefully improve Worthing's performance with Emily Begley coming on at GS and Katie Finlay at WA. Mayfields also made changes, but fortunately for Worthing the tempo of the game was not altered and with Pearcy continuing her shooting accuracy along with Hannah Pannell and Sarah Uncles stepping up in defence and thus booked Worthing's place in their final with a 39-23 victory. Performance Programme Coach Tina Price was happy with the outcome "In semi finals the result is all important and today we got the result, but all the players know that they will need to perform better in the final if the squad wants to win the tournament that gives you the accolade of best team in the County for this season."
The Rugby Performance Programme were looking to make it five Worthing College squads in County Cup finals when they took on Sussex Downs of Lewes in their under 18's semi final. Unfortunately Worthing started slowly and were quickly 15-0 down. Some readjustments and strong team spirit put Worthing back into the game, but their slow start cost them to eventually go down 22-19. Luke Calleja, Josh Bath and Lewis Maslen touched down with Barney Lyons converting two of the tries. Performance Programme Coach Ben Coulson knows that the players will come back stronger when saying "it was a shame that the team didn't start well, which put them on the back foot straight away and set the precedence. The squad are obviously hurting, but have taken on board this defeat and will look to bounce back straight away in the BCS Under 19's Elite League Playoff last 8 away at Exeter College."
The Women's Football Performance Programme had two BCS Elite League matches this week against the top two teams in the division. First they took on Oaklands College (Arsenal FC) in a match played at Worthing College. Worthing put in a brave performance and competed with their more illustrious opponents for most of the match, but in the end that extra bit of quality showed for Oaklands to come out 4-2 winners. Amy Potkins and Sophie Frost were on target for Worthing. Due to league completion deadlines and the poor weather conditions last month the same squad had to play two days later against Thurstable College (Colchester FC). Worthing again battled hard, but fatigue was definitely their downfall against high quality opponents and were defeated 4-1, with Jade Widdows on the scoresheet. "The squad has been competing all season against high quality opposition in the highest grade in Women's College Football in the Country, so in defeat the players can only learn from their experiences and take this into their future development, which is one of the main areas that we pride ourselves on in our performance programme." coach Mike Bridges said in reflection in what was a tiring week for the Women's Football Programme.
The Men's Football Performance Programme only had one match this week. With the 1st XI having a rest week the 2nd XI took on Chichester College in the BCS Performance League. Both coaches Danny Cullip and Dave Hall had the opportunity to see how the 2nd XI is developing in preparation for their County Cup final. Worthing began well and were looking to play effective football on a compact pitch and took the lead from an Abdoulie Bah mis-hit cross into the top corner. When in command of a game its important to capitalise on chances created, but Worthing were left to rue this and just before half time Chichester equalised after a defensive error. The second half followed the same suit as the first with Worthing dominant and missing chances, whilst Chichester were a threat on the break. In the end the shares were spoiled, but Worthing could see this as a couple of points lost. Nathan Webster starred for Worthing in the middle of midfield, who is coming back from a long injury lay off and is definitely looking to stake a claim for a 1st XI start in the coming weeks.
Over the next couple of weeks Worthing College are in four County Cup finals. If you wish to come along and support your local College sports teams the dates, times & venues are as follows; On Wednesday 14th March the Netball County Cup Final opponents to be announced. Game to be played at Burgess Hill School for Girls with a 2pm tip off. On Wednesday 14th March Men's Football County Cup Final 1st XI against either St Bedes or Bexhill. Game to be played at Lancing FC with a 7.30pm kick off with a £3 entry fee including a match programme. On Wednesday 21st March Men's Football County Cup Final 2nd XI against Thomas Bennett of Crawley. Game to be played at Lancing FC with a 7.30pm kick off with a £3 entry fee including a match programme. On Wednesday 21st March Women's Football County Cup Final against Chichester College. Game to be played at Worthing FC with a 7.30pm kick off, which will be free entry. All players would really appreciate the town's support.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
