The TWHC U14 boys were playing their first ever Tier 1 fixture against Sevenoaks after taking the decision to step up a level from Tier 2. The boys responded brilliantly to the challenge playing excellent possession hockey throughout the match, confident on the ball, confident at transferring the ball to change channels, and when needed using the aerial pass really effectively. Their good play sadly wasn’t rewarded with a goal and Sevenoaks eventually took the lead. The boys then showed tremendous character to bounce back immediately with a well-worked penalty corner ending up with Zac slotting into the corner. 1 – 1 at half-time of a quality match.

The second half continued in the same way, quality hockey all round and TW playing with plenty of structured possession, playing with confidence and building strong patterns of play. They went behind to a deflected penalty corner that looped very unkindly over James in the TW goal but, again, the boys fought back brilliantly exerting pressure and getting a well-deserved equaliser with Hamish firing home from close range. Despite playing well the TW boys were undone after classically ‘switching off’ straight after equalising and conceding immediately and then also by the key Sevenoaks centre forward who scored some excellent goals taking them to a 5 -2 lead. Again, the TW boys fought back showing incredible strength of character to put relentless pressure on Sevenoaks and this led to another goal for Hamish firing home with a lovely backhand strike. Galvanised by this goal the TW boys pushed for more and despite a lot of chances, penalty corners including four after the final whistle they couldn’t add to their tally.

A huge well done to all the boys today; James C, Jamie, Charley, Woody, Ernest (with an excellent debut), Oscar F, Zac R, Oli H, James R, Freddie, Hamish, Oscar S, Henry B, Ed E, Harry and Beau.

At the end of the game, we talked as a group about what we’d achieved, what we need to work on and what they want to get out of the rest of the season.

As a very proud coach, I can visibly see the growth and maturity of the boys collectively and individually when having these conversations, talking openly with each other about what they can do to improve. Whilst losing will hurt, what they are getting from these high-level matches will give them the tools to manage these games much better in the future and more effectively, cope with pressure situations, and deal with any scenario thrown at them.

Boys, you played brilliant hockey, and it is about your hockey journey, not just one loss today.

Martin