U13A Boys’ Hockey IAPS Finals

The format was 8-minute halves with each team going through to a further round depending on their position in the group.

We came up against Millfield and Framlingham in our first two games and despite losing both, we played some great hockey and were competitive throughout. Particularly in the Fram game, we played with belief and confidence. We kept our structure and put them under pressure. Tellingly, Framlingham lost 2-1 in the Cup final, which gives some indication of the level the boys performed at.

Lochie scored the goal from a cracking shot at a penalty corner that was won by some excellent pressure from Theo up front who was tireless all day, chasing and hassling after the ball. Hamish moved into a more central position in the second game as Millfield nullified his attacking threat too easily on the right. This gave our back three another option to post up to midfield before finding room out wide. The back three of James S, Edward and Monty linked up really well throughout the tournament, growing confident with their roles and communicating well. Jamie M and Oliver both took on each opponent with energy and fearlessness when they came on and they showed some class touches on the ball. Jamie W was outstanding in goal and quite literally kept us in the tournament. He was put under a lot of pressure in each game, despite the quality defense and work-rate we put in, and he saved countless goals and relieved pressure on the team. Sadly, Arthur came down with a fever, he bravely played five minutes or so but then had to call off sick.

Our final pool game against Bishop Stortford meant that a win or a draw was enough to see us through into the more coveted Vase competition for third placed teams. It was a very even game, as the score line suggests, and both teams had their chances to snatch victory.

We played two exciting games in the Vase semi and final matches. Both narrowly lost, which was frustrating, but there was some high-quality hockey being played. The boys showed great determination and courage to keep playing against some tough opposition. Jamie M scored our much-needed goal in this game, a strong slap home from a brilliant assist from Theo across the face of the goal.

Victory or defeat can be decided by very small margins and I was proud of the team the way they kept composed and positive when the results didn’t go our way. In National competitions like this, where the games are short, the pressure is intense and the opponents are strong, small details can decide the outcome of a game. An unfortunate decision by an umpire, a slip at a crucial time, one bad decision or a mistake – all these things happen in sport and we had our fair share of bad luck on occasions. Despite this, the boys always kept their composure, kept playing at 100% and supported each other. Throughout the day, they were polite, respectful to umpires and showed good sportsmanship to the opposition.

These qualities were great to see. Well played, boys.