U12 Boys at the Regionals

The U12 boys, who came runners up at the Kent Championships, headed to Charterhouse School to compete in the Regionals where the top two from the Kent, Sussex, and Surrey Championships compete for the chance to go to the National finals and the boys did not disappoint. They would play all five clubs in 15 minute one way matches before the play offs for medal placings.

TW v Guildford – Drew 2 – 2 (Hamish 2)
The boys started their first game really well against a very strong Guildford side taking a deserved two goal lead which only seemed to spark Guildford into life. They put TW under huge pressure quickly drawing level and could have easily snatched the win in the closing stages, but the boys held on for an excellent point.

TW v Marden – Lost 0 – 1
This ended up being a carbon copy of their match in the Kent Championships, TW put lots of pressure on Marden playing some lovely hockey, using the pivot and the wide channels, creating numerous open play chances and penalty corners but could not convert any of them. Marden then grew into the game, created chances and converted one of these to go into the lead. A frustrating loss but boys had to move on quickly to their next match

TW v Old Georgians Dragons – Lost 0 – 3
The performance in this game reflected the impact of losing to Marden, the boys had lost confidence and just did not get going; finding themselves outplayed by the eventual winners on the day who played some excellent hockey.

TW v Lewes – Won 1 – 0 (Hamish)
If ever a score line did not reflect a game, this was it, the TW boys totally dominated this match creating a huge number of chances but the ball seemed destined never to go in. Hamish hit the post quickly followed by the crossbar with an incredible backhand shot that deserved more. The peppering of the goal continued and with time running out Hamish finally broke the deadlock and got the reward for his persistence.

TW v East Grinstead – Won 3 – 2 (Hamish 3)
With renewed confidence the boys played some lovely hockey in this match and deservedly raced into a three-goal lead with Hamish getting the hat trick that his overall performance on the day deserved. Taking the opportunity to rest players EG then pegged the boys back but they held on to win.

Our results put the boys in the bronze medal play off against Marden and they were desperate to make amends for the group match plus the Kent Championships. This was yet another very tight match, incredibly tense, but after some good pressure Hamish broke the deadlock between the sides from a penalty corner and the boys hung on to claim bronze medal much to the relief of their parents whose nerves were shredded.

The boys should be incredibly proud of how they are finishing this season, and the fact they are not only competing with bigger clubs in Kent, Sussex and Surrey but coming away with medals. They are an amazing group of boys who want to learn, get better and compete; an absolute dream for a coach.

A huge well done to James C, Charley L, Jamie S, Freddie M, Zac R, Oscar F, Henry B, Max P and Hamish, who continues to score the goals built on the platform created by every single member of the squad.

Finally, to Jen, Adam, and all the parents, thank you. The celebrations after securing the bronze medal on Sunday and the pure joy of the parents and boys will be a memory that I will personally cherish.