The U13 hockey boys performed well on their return to the IAPS Regional Tournament held at Eastbourne College, coming through their group matches undefeated to make the quarter-finals.
In their first game of the group stage against Great Walstead, our boys took the lead through Henry F and were then on top for the entire match. They continued to push and a great cross from Henry L led to a second tap in for Henry F to take a 2-0 lead going into half time. A calamitous series of events early in the second half led to a tap from Aidan S being deflected into an empty goal for Hurst’s third and final goal of the game.
St Ronan’s were next up and following a barrage of short corners, Oscar M scored in the top corner. Confusion in the D somehow led to a second goal for Hurst towards the end of the first half for another 2-0 lead at half time. Early in the second half, a silky short corner routine lead to a roof-of-the-net finish for Oscar M’s second goal. This was swiftly followed by a tap in by Jack F to make it 4-0, who then scored again after a quick break for 5-0 to round off a great performance.
Vinehall were the final group stage opponents, and although our boys started on top, they failed to find a breakthrough in the early running, as a tight first half finished in a scoreless draw. The sides were separated by yet another goal-mouth scramble with Jack F poking the ball into the net to take another win.
Then it was into the cup quarter-finals, with a place in the national finals at stake. The boys fought hard, but it wasn’t to be as a very good Hoe Bridge side took the win 2-0.
“ Overall it was a great day and a valuable learning experience which will help these boys in their future hockey careers at Hurst ” Ben Dewey, Head of Boy’s Sport (Prep)