Taylorian 2020

92 against the U15Cs in training, they proved that they were not to be taken lightly and thanks to a consistently solid defence were not defeated. Whilst everybody would have liked more regular matches, I hope that the players feel that they have improved as hockey players and that they continue to play next year. Mr P D Hoyle Squad: D. Brady, A. Chadha, N. Choy, S. Desai, A. Dewan, M. Duce, M. Eunice, N. Flanagan, K. Haider, R. Jaffer, J. Jebanesan, J. Lawson-Smith, C. Limki, M. Lurie, D. Murphy-O’Connor, M. Myrtetus, V. Palekar, H. Salam, S. Shah. U14A The U14A side had a good season before it was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did this young side manage to become County Champions, winning the Hertfordshire County Competition, but they also recorded some great results and performances across their domestic season. Overall, the side won eight matches, drew none, and lost one (to an extremely impressive Perse School side). Kyle Wagjiani was outstanding this season. Playing in goal, he showed cat-like reflexes, making double and even triple saves, sparing the side’s blushes many times. At the back, Dilan Reddy and Rohan N Shah gave the team stability, and with the pace and skill of Noah Softleigh-Moore through midfield, the attacking options were always good. In a season full of ifs, buts, and maybes, the regional finals saw them go out on goal difference. This was a bitter pill to swallow but an experience that will make them stronger in the long run. Despite the accolades and clear potential of a very talented group, some maturing needs to be done if they are to reach their full potential and gel cohesively as a group. It is unquestionable that they have the potential, but that means little without the discipline, desire, and correct attitude to want to learn and grow. Thankfully, this began to become more evident, and I’m excited to see them bloom in the years to come.  Mr M J Penny Squad: F. Ahmed, E. Arslan, A. Bettridge, A. Bist, R.Bhasin, G. Dalton, T. Ford, M. Garvey, A. Leitch, R. Mangat, A. Mistry, K.P. Patel, D. Reddy, A. Sawant, D. Shah, R.N. Shah, N. Softleigh-Moore, K. Wagjiani, H. Williamson. U14B The U14Bs were having the most incredible season. This is arguably one of the most talented year groups in hockey in recent years, with strength in depth from the U14Ds all the way through. What was most evident is that they wanted to play for each other and they wanted to get better. Each week they would build a little more and learn something new. Game by game they started to produce some excellent hockey, which was a pleasure to see. Seven players went up to play for the A team, proving they were good enough to play in the top team. Some didn’t get that chance but certainly made their mark on the B team. Matthew Ault was a rock in the defensive set-up and never gave an inch to opposing players. In midfield, Tarun Varsani was an excellent distributor of the ball. Up front, Devesh Rana scored more goals than I think any player in the school: two hat tricks, three braces, and a total of fourteen goals! It was extremely sad to have the season cut short, especially as this group had not yet been defeated. It will be exciting to see how this group mature next season, as they really are a talented bunch of players. Mr L D Foot Squad: N. Patel, M. Brog, M. A. Jaffer Kassamali, M. Ault, U. Otibo, J. Hawkes, O. Browne, L. Hinton, A. Howell, T. Varsani, R. Jones, T. Olayinka, D. Opoku, D. Rana, R. Jain, M. Harding, R. Bhasin, A. Sodha, A. Bettridge. U14C Over the course of last term, the Merchant Taylors’ U14C hockey athletes, led by Joshua Hazan, whom they had missed so terribly since last season, were incredibly triumphant. The opposition shook at the sight of the swift-footed Folu Onamusi, and trembled at their recognition of ball- stopping Ed Bennett, and wept at the knowledge that they would never escape the gymnastics of omnipresent Han Se Kendall. And, as is so, over the dark winter months, the blessed gods brought several nervous teams in front of our young team, and whipped up strife between them: Eton College proved a formidable foe and won the first round of our long battle campaign; Caterham School, alas, were