Harriers and Kestrels draw

The final slot of the day at BRN saw a mix of U12s, U14s and Ladies 1s and 2s take to the pitch the first Development game of the season – Harriers v Kestrels. For some of the juniors this was their first 11-a-side game but every player really stepped up and there were many strong performances all over the park.

The Kestrels came out of the blocks strongly and had the better of the early exchanges – building play through to Anaishka, Bea and Abby who did a sterling job of attacking the Harriers D from all angles. Strong tackles from Flora and Clara kept them at bay and as the Harriers grew into the game, they started to build strong foundations from the back. Isla was holding space out wide, and this was opening up attacking opportunities down the right.

In the second quarter Elizabeth had the ball in the back of the net with a great finish at the back post, only for the goal to be disallowed for an earlier infringement. Theodora’s constant running kept the pressure on the Kestrel’s defence throughout the game; enabling the Harriers to benefit from this turnover ball.

Shortly after half time a pinpoint pass opened up the Harriers defence and Bea found herself one on one with Emilia in the Harriers goal. Emilia pulled off a couple of strong saves to deny Bea and keep the scores at 0-0.

The Kestrels were playing the ball nicely through midfield with Mary finding space and linking well with Abby who got a couple of shots off. Rosie did a brilliant job keeping wide on the right midfield, opening up some space for further Kestrels attacks.

Clara, Holly and Beatrice were linking well down the left flank for the Harriers and combined to win some penalty corners in the third quarter. Despite some strong strikes from Theodora, the Kestrels defence, well marshalled by Bebe in goal and some strong work from Shan, kept them out and the scores remained level.

The game finished 0-0 but there were opportunities at both ends and real progress made – even in the course of just one game. Both teams are looking forward to more fixtures in the New Year.

Harriers POM: Theodora Yap

Kestrels POM: Rosie Allen