I am over the moon to report Kettering won 1-0 meaning we have been promoted! As I wasn’t able to play I can’t give much more detail so instead I have wrote a piece on every player which has contributed to this seasons success. I want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of this fab journey!
The keepers-
Poppy Smart- although she only played a couple of games she was there from the start and has come to almost every game giving her the title of chief cheer leader. When on the pitch she was commanding and reliable. As cheerleader she has saved the team many a time by timing subs and shouting great encouragement.
Sophie Tomlinson- an absolute laugh to spend time with, cracks a joke at every opportunity. Also a fab goalie whose shouting has ensured the defenders stick tight to their players helping us to win countless games.
Amy March- the final keeper in this terrific trio. Has made a bunch of great saves to help Kettering 1sts keep a clean sheet in multiple games contributing to this seasons marvellous success.
Theses three have been essential in this seasons success and I still am in awe at their bravery every time they stand in goal and dive to stop a shot ( or sometimes a clumsy deflection of a defender)
The defence-
Michelle Tanser - Captain. She has had a clear vision and leadership since the start of the season. She has drilled and motivated us as a team. Her cracking hits have led to many goals ( and a couple of bruised feet) Without this formidable defender who kept us all organised and in structure we probably wouldn’t have won so many games in such a convincing fashion. Your passion for the game is evident.
Eleanor Izzard- sunshine as a person. She spreads joy with every smile and is a wonderful defender despite her own doubts. Her determination is evident in every game as she puts her all into every tackle and every pass. She has been an essential part of this team providing giggles with every win she has contributed to.
Gracie Gault- party girl and stunning story teller of the team keeping us entertained on many drives to cambridge. Her epic defending is something that I admire especially her stellar tackles. As she goes off to uni she will be missed on and off the pitch. But in a positive light I’m sure she have plenty of stories to tell when she returns.
Molly Hart- another key piece of our defence puzzle. Her slaps are something else- the power, speed and sometime height are unbelievable. She constantly has a fire in her belly to win and acts as a driving force behind every attack, always spurring on the team.
Katie Woolveridge- well you know what they say, defence is the first line of attack and that is certainly true with Katie who constantly drives up the pitch with power to influence the game. On top of her phenomenal tackles she is a delight to spend time with and is always up for a laugh. She has also made some amazing appearances in midfield with her tireless running.
Evie Wharf - made a couple of appearances and didn't disappointed. Makes great takles and runs her socks off.
Midfield
Connie Shingles- kind, heartwarming and competitive. As a newcomer Connie has certainly made an impression this season with her skill and tenacity. She radiates joy and works constantly on the pitch to ensure the ball is in our possession and we play to our best standards.
Eva Carson- a force to be reckoned with on the right with super speed who has assisted many goals, impacting game outcomes all the time.
Ilana Jacobs- An absolute speed demon when chasing down the ball with determination and stunning stick skills to weave through midfield. With a few appearances up front as well, Ilana has assisted and scored many goals. She is always cracking a joke to make you smile no matter the result. Well done for making it to the final game without being banned for the number of cards she has received( a lot)
Cath Irvin - calm headed among some frantic situations, always refocusing the team on the game. She is the font of all hockey knowledge and has a fab hit which have hit the back of the net to help Kettering claw back into the lead in many games.
Issy Higgs- the best left mid you will find. Speedy, skilful and spirited. She always injects a new burst of determination in the team and has scored numerous goals having a humongous impact of this seasons success.
Georgia Brophy- had stick skills beyond imagination so is able to dodge between players leaving them dizzy. She has turned many midfield inside out with her ball control to help Kettering dominate throughout the season.
Rose Starsmore-Young - skilful and humble player who has influenced games which her pitch awareness and strong slaps transferring the ball to create ample opportunities.
Georgie Jones- has made only a couple of appearances this season but has contributed significantly with her silky skills and never ending energy.
Mandy Starsmore- Young - her hockey knowledge, skill and passion is evident in every game she has played in with her passing accuracy and player awareness. She possess all the attributes of a terrific hockey player, making her impactful in every game she plays in.
Attack
Gemma Freeman- has only made a few appearances for the 1sts but the games she has played she has left it all on the pitch. She is tenacious and driven which always motivates the team to a win.
Ellie Darnell - always bringing good vibes with the speaker, happy faces with the haribo and wears her hockey heart on her sleeve. As a forward Ellie runs constantly, putting 100% into any run whether it be chasing a ball and scoring or sprinting back to help defend. Her presence always lights up the room and her love for hockey is evident.
Lucy Tanser- a fabulous left forward who has contributed to the many wins of this season. Her drives up the pitch, countless runs and amazing roll outs have helped create goal scoring chances. Furthermore she has scored goals to help Kettering secure wins.
Finally a thank you to Barry, Shez, Neil and all the training gang who have given up their time to help us improve. Without their techniques and insight into the game we will not have been so successful.
Written by Isla
Isla Harvey - a fantastic part of the defense and always delights with her fantastic match reports. Always giving 100%, Isla works hard and runs up and down the right wing creating chances. A lovely young lady.