U16 Boys win Hants Semis

Last Sunday the U16 Boys were at Trojans playing for a place in the Hampshire Cup Final. Read On!!

The Boys had comfortably beaten Bournemouth in the previous round (8-1), and were up agianst a strong Trojans team. Both sides contained a number of county players and a few Engalnd Hockey Performance Centre athletes. This was goining to be a close and high quality game. The spectators were not disappointed.

Haslemere started slowly and this let Trojans dominate the early exchanges. Before Haslemere knew what had hit them, they were two goals down, and really not playing their best. Another goal before half time, meant the boys in blue had a mountain to climb. the half time talk by Tony Richards was simple and to the point. Transfer the ball, stop forcing the play, and play as a team. 3 clear things that if the team delivered on, there was plenty of time to left in the game to win it.

The boys went out for the second half as a different team. They terrorised the Trojans defense, with wave after wave of fast fluid attacking hockey. When we did not have the ball the forwards lead the defense, and forced mistakes from the Trojans back 4. By the end of full time, Haslemere had scored 3 goals, hit the post twice, and totally outplayed Trojans, who were obvioulsy pleased that they were still in the game, with a chance to win in the penalty flicks shoot out.

The penalty shoot out is always a lottery, and never fun for the team that loses. In the end Haslemere won the shoot out, and are now in the final which will take place on Hampshire day with all the other cup finals for juniors and adults, which is being hosted by Haslemere on Monday 6th May.

Both teams played the game in great spirit, and showed respect for each other, and the umpires. Both umpires had good games, and were able to let the game flow. This was good enetertainment all round, and I strongly recommned as many of you as possible coming up to the final on the bank holiday Monday in May.

Team – A.Richards, D.Alexander, T. Fitter, T. Canning, W. Craven, W.Porter, A. Somers, J.Hoe, H.Hill, L, Whittle-Wright, W.Brown, S. McKnight,