Last week the first XI played St George’s in Wanganui. Things didn’t start very well as we conceded a goal in the opening few minutes. But we got some good goals back and went into halftime 3-1 up. At the start of the second half St George’s got a goal back and pulled us back to 3-2. After that the  Wellesley defence never looked like  conceding but there was always the chance of a breakaway so it was a welcome relief when James Fletcher got a good goal at the far post. St George’s had one more good chance when their number 10 got through one-on-one with Tim Hornabrook in goal. We had nothing to fear though as Tim pulled off a great save to keep our lead at 4-2. Goals were scored by Matt Smith (1), James Fletcher (1) and myself (2).

Thanks to all the parents for helping to transport us up and back and coming to watch the game. Also thanks to Mr Hampton for coaching.  

Ryan Palmer

07/08/09

After a good practice this week, we entered this game with more confidence. There was a determination to play better football for longer in the game. And things were looking good when Wellesley were 2 goals up early in the first half. But then we went to sleep, slackened off and conceded two quick goals to level up the match at half time. Despite conceding a very well taken goal in the second half, the Wellesley boys stuck at it, scored two more goals and held on for a 4 3 win. Generally the team played better with more accurate passing and better finishing might have made the win more comfortable, but it was pleasing to see the improvement.

Goals sorers were Oliver Chiaroni (3) and James Fletcher.

 

2nd Eleven

Our fourth game of the season saw us take on St Marks at Williams Park in warm and settled conditions.  It didn’t take long to score our first goal and we spent most of the game in the St Marks half, with tonnes of possession.  Despite the fact that we squandered many scoring opportunities through less than accurate finishing, Wellesley ended up winning the game 6-1.  Harry Calcott scored a remarkable 5 goals!

 A satisfying win but further evidence of our need to be a bit more clinical when in the box.  Next stop: Huntley.

This was a tough game which we should have done better in. It tokk the Wellesley team some time to find their feet and by that time the geame was lost. The Wellesley boys look great when they play football and pass the ball around, put players into space and control possession, but for too much of this game we struggled to maintain possession. It was good to see the team finish strongly – just needed to play like that for more of the game! Goal scorer:

1st Eleven

A promising first up game for this team. HIBs took the wind in the first half and used it well to end the half ahead 2 – 1. Wellesley competed well but often had to resort to scrambly defence to try and clear the ball. Wellesley equalised straight after half time, but then seemed to sit back a bit and hope that the wind would do the trick for them. HIBs marking was sound and Wellesley struggled to string pases together. The Wellesley boys got a bit caught out by HIBs clearances and HIBs benefited from this by scoring 3 goals to make it a 2 – 5 loss.

Goals scorers for Wellesley was Oliver Chiaroni who showed a great nose for an opportunity and score 2 goals. Zak Brodie and Michael Franklin were a strong defenders, and the midfield worked hard to set up opportunities.

2nd Eleven:

Thursday 21st May saw the 2nd match of the season, played at home, against HIBS.  After taking a heavy loss last year in this fixture we were confident that, with the depth of players in the squad, we would be able to compete.  And compete we did.  In cold, blustery conditions, Wellesley competed well for the ball and attacked frequently.  Hamish McClennan scored halfway through the first half and we continued to push forward.  HIBS scored in the second half to equalise but Wellesley continued to attack, hitting the crossbar twice and creating several good scoring chances.  Final score: 1-1 and a fine effort.

The season kicked off with a 2nd Eleven Selection Team playing Hadlow. 

Thursday 14th may saw a provisional 2nd XI take on the Hadlow 1st XI in Williams Park for the first football fixture of the year. A scoreline of 9-0 to Wellesley underlines the current depth of talent here this year and the team is to be commended for playing like they had been together for months(first game, no team practice to speak of!) and creating chance after chance with excellent passing, solid defence and tremendous commitment to the tackle.  An exciting season lies ahead.


Well, how do we summarise the end of the season? It was great to have a win in the last game against St Georges!  I thought that this was a game we played to our potential – Tristan scored a goal in the first half and the team defended that lead well throughout the second half. As a team, there has been a noticeable improvement, with the defence especially showing composure and collaborating well.

The 2008 season has been tough in terms of results, but the team has been fantastic to work with. They have always been positive and upbeat, and worked hard to achieve team goals!

Thanks, boys.

The trip to Hawkes Bay was great. Excellent parent support, a high standard of football and a very good night out on Thursday.

For the record, we lost narrowly to Lindisfarne (1 – 2) and by more (1 – 8 ) to a very good Hereworth team. The boys played good football, especially in the Hereworth match and in both games worked hard to impose their pattern.

The game tomorrow against Scots is on Williams Park (at Wellesley) and starts at 1:15pm

Take a look at the Hawkes Bay photos………

Transport Details are here!

Wellesley will host St. George’s School on Thursday 4 September.  This replaces the away fixture on Thursday 28 August. 

  • 1st XI Hockey at Fraser Park – 1.00pm (TBC)
  • 1st XV Rugby at Wellesley – 1.30pm
  • 1st XI Football at Wellesley (William’s Park) – 1.30pm

Hereworth/Lindisfarne trip:

The tour itinerary is as follows:

 

Thursday 14 August

 

8.30 am

Boys leave Wellington (approx)

Meeting times and locations to be confirmed in the confirmation letter

2.00 pm          

1st XV Rugby and 1st XI Football vs. Lindisfarne at Lindisfarne, Hastings

2.30 pm          

1st XI Hockey vs. Lindisfarne at Park Island, Napier

3.00 pm          

2nd XV Rugby and 2nd XI Football vs. Hereworth Selections at Hereworth, Havelock North

3.45 pm          

Lindisfarne after-match presentations

4.30 pm          

1st teams travel to Hereworth

2nd XI Football, 2nd XV Rugby & supporters afternoon tea in the hall

5.00 pm          

Wellesley boys billeted by Hereworth

 

Evening – Parent dinner in Havelock North (optional)

 

Friday 15 August

 

8.40 am          

1st XI Hockey leave Hereworth for Park Island, Napier

9.30 am          

2nd XV Rugby and 2nd XI Football play Hereworth at Hereworth

1st XI Hockey vs. Hereworth at Park Island, Napier

10.45 am        

1st XV Rugby and 1st XI Football vs. Hereworth at Hereworth

12.00 pm        

Lunch for parents and supporters in the Founders’ Room

12.25 pm        

Lunch for all teams and staff in the School Dining Hall

12.50 pm        

Speeches / farewells in School Hall

Depart Hereworth for Wellington

A handful of boys were fortunate to be able to act as ball boys when the NZ men’s Olympic Football team played Chile yesterday.

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