HT Hazlemere

Holy Trinity Hazlemere Under 14s 2011

After winning Division Three of Berkshire Youth Development League in our first year, the boys found themselves propelled into Division One and taking on some of Reading’s top teams. The boys had some tremendous highs and lows.

The team saw them take some heavy defeats, but they also became the first team to defeat Eldon Celtic Lions who were the runaway winners of the league. Our boys smashed their 100% record in a 4-2 victory which also saw a penalty save from our keeper Chris Banning.They also reached their first 11 a-side final, where despite a magnificent performance the boys narrowly lost 1-0. They also had a goal ruled out for offside. 

In our goalkeeper Chris Banning we have an excellent shot stopper, he has had a lot to do this season but never moans and gets on with the game. 

In defence Dom Beirne has had an outstanding season. He works hard for his team mates, good in the air and a tough tackler, can play anywhere along the back four. Alongside Dom is John Mellett who has also had a good season (and also unfortunately has the misfortune of going home with the Manager) but he is another tough tackler who can play either left or right back. Harry Pearce has on occasions played in goal and midfield but mainly as a centre back reads the game well and breaks up attacks. 

Callum Berry has now really settled into the team after joining us again. Has become stronger in every game, and had an excellent game in the final. Methembe Njanji, a skillful and talented player who has pace to match, seems to make the game look easy and always with a smile on his face. Joey Andrews could play every position in midfield, a great player, but has taken his football to an even higher level in the second half of the season producing many ‘man of the match’ performances and scored 6 goals this season. 

Rob Ditchburn who i’ve nicknamed ‘The Bull’ – strong, fast and powerful can terrorise any defence, has waded in with 9 Goals, unfortunately his season was cut short with a serious injury (a cracked tibia) which saw him just miss out on the final but he still finished joint top scorer. 

Tommy Dixon our wing wizard on the right. Fast, skillful and tells you all about it! Plays the game with a permanent grin on his face, 6 goals this season. Tom Westbrook, skillful midfielder with loads of energy, drives the team on and sets up many attacks with clever probing balls. 

David Gaze a clever player who reads the game well and is prepared to drop in and cover other players when caught out of position, works hard for his team mates, missed the start of the season due to injury. 

Luke Smith – Defence, midfield or forward, any position. Luke has never let me down wherever he plays. Fully committed to the cause, hit the back of the net 5 times.

Owen Blackmore finished joint top goal scorer with 9 goals. At times has cut a lonely figure upfront on his own, holding the ball up and waiting for support. Has led the line well. 

Nat Kearns, playing in his first season for H.T. this year, works hard for his team on and off the ball can play anywhere on the left. 

Aaron Revell is a strong and pacey player with a powerful shot. Aaron returned to the squad for the last part of the season. An instant hit scoring the winning goal in our semi final. 

A special thank you to all the parents for their support this season in going to the Reading League. Every Saturday the support has been brilliant. I know it hasn’t been easy but the fact that you all have just got on with it, has been greatly appreciated. 

A big thanks goes to Andy Gaze for all his help and commitment with mid week training on Monday nights.    

Last but not least, a big thank you to Darren Westbrook for his enthusiasm, commitment and his persuasive encouragement to the boys, and support in running the team. His help is most appreciated.

Noel Mellett
HT Hazlemere Team Manager