Youth sport round up from the Saffron Walden area

Youth sport

Netball

• SAFFRON Hawks under 11s thrashed the Hornets 6-0 in their first ever match in the Turndford Summer High 5 Netball League.

Charlotte McDowell set the team on the way with a couple of early goals before the outstanding Charlotte Staniforth added two more.

Megan Thear, Aimee Evans, Aiden Banks and Katie Whyte all played their part as victory was assured with a fantastic team display.

• A high-scoring match between district champions Tegate and Saffron Hawks in the U12s Turnford Summer Netball League resulted in a 30-all draw.

Rebecca Rees controlled things in the centre for the visitors whilst Mia Bird worked her socks off in defence. Evie Burke and Chloe Smith were in a great attacking mood supported by Katie Sharpe and Charlotte Boyle as they notched up 30 points between them. The game was close all the way and in the end nothing could divide the teams but the Hawks coaching staff were absolutely delighted at the team’s performance.

Football

• WALDEN Wanderers FC will be holding trials for players of all positions aged U15 for Season 2011/12. Club secretary Barry Benton said: “We are a very friendly one team club, based at Great Chesterford from next season and will be competing in the Cambridge & District Colts League.”

Trials will be held on Saturday May 14 at 10am and Wednesday May 18 at 6pm – both at Wimbish Recreation Ground (nr.Saffron Walden). Call manager, John Russell, on 07980 864789.

• Saffron Walden Town u13s finished the season on a high as they thumped Waterbeach Colts 4-1 away from home. Henry Goddard and Dylan Reams put the visitors 2-1 up at the break before goalkeeper Gerorge Templeman got himself on the scoresheet to make it three with an enourmous goal-kick. Reams completed the scoring to grab third place in the league.

• In a one sided game, Plantation U11s warmed up for their league final in three weeks time with a straight forward 6-1 win over Steeple Bumpstead.

The home team dominated from start to finish scored twice in the first half through

Bumpstead got back in the game with a goal early in the second, but were well beaten with gaols by Thomas Wilson(2) and Jack Rowley (2).

• Plantation Pumas U9s smashed 10 past rivals Spartak at the weekend to finish off the season in style and win their 10th consecutive match to give themselves top spot in the league for the second season running. Harry Dorrian, Toby Salmon, Louis Temblett, Bradley Jones and Tom Keogh all got on the score sheet in this outstanding team performance.

Hockey

Saffron Walden County High’s sixth form mixed hockey team became national finalists last month, finishing runners-up in the England and Wales Mixed Hockey Cup.

Having won the regional finals in March, Walden knew they had a daunting task ahead as they travelled to Brentwood. However, unfazed by the occasion and captained by Kieran Greig and Tilly Sleven, they stood up to the challenge, comfortably winning their semi-final against Lady Lumley’s School from North Yorkshire 2-0, with goals coming from Alfie Smith and Kieran Greig.

Next Walden stepped up to the final against Sir John Deane’s college from Cheshire and by half-time were trailing 5-0. Despite fighting back in the second half with both Greig and Jack Richardson finding the back of the net, Walden could not match the pace and strength of Sir John Deans and the match finished 8-2.

Congratulations are due to the school squad for finishing in second place in this prestigious national competition – Tilly Sleven, Emma Doust, Flora Warren, Anna Wacey, Lauren Coates, Hattie Smales, Rosie Leyshon, Polly Oakman, Kieran Greig, Alfie Smith, Max Bohannon, James Wells, Jack Richardson, Simon Jeffries and Jacob Stevenson.

Cricket

Saffron Walden’s U14s development squad managed a 55-run victory over Harlow in the WEDCB cup despite playing in the age level above.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. Walden batted first and after 15 of their 24 overs had only mustered 54 but, once John Griffin (39) had joined Danny Murphy-Moore (52), 86 runs were added in the last nine overs, with Griffin scoring his runs from just 15 balls. Their partnership of 65 was match-winning and Harlow found the final total of 140 too much for their batsmen. Just as last season, the Walden bowlers were frugal and, once both Harlow openers were out for 12, the innings never gained any momentum. Ally Hancock led the bowling (3 for 6) with more than able support from Luke Barkes, Will Aitken, Jay Ghelani and James Patterson. Walden are due to play Harlow Town in the next round.