The Blue Hornets Felsted’s U12 girls and U14 boys teams played some excellent hockey over two weekends at the National finals in Beeston, Nottingham, claiming fourth and fifth positions respectively.
The U12 girls did themselves proud coming away in fourth position - an achievement that belies the size of club when compared to the likes of Surbiton and Cambridge.
They managed a 1-0 win, their first of three group game triumphs, against Worcester, with Olivia Hoare scoring from a shot between her legs and Jasmine Kenny making three vital saves in goal.
Their other victories came against Bournemouth and Thirsk, putting them in a strong position within their group.
Sadly though, Surbiton proved too strong in the final group match, prevailing 2-0, and pipping the Hornets to the final by a single point.
The hardest task of the day was now to pick themselves up for the third/fourth play-off match.
Although the mental and physical fatigue did inevitably show in their final game against Burton, again losing 2-0, their fourth place finish meant inclusion in the medal presentation.
The U14 boys also had a good run at the event.
The boys were given a tough group, made even tougher by playing hosts and eventual champions Beeston in their opening match. A 2-0 defeat was a decent return against strong opposition.
They collected themselves well and then pulled off a 1-1 draw against the favourites Surbiton, before completing their qualifying group with a 4-1 win against a well-drilled Havant side.
They fought on but due to other results not going their way, they ended playing in the fifth/sixth play-off position match.
With their heads held high they achieved a strong 1-0 win over Lichfield.
It was a great team effort on the day, but special mention goes to Ollie Stonham, who was the top goalscorer for the whole tournament, Josh Smith scored the crucial goal against Surbiton and Tom Grove-Smith made the difference up front with a couple of goals against Havant.
If you would like to be part of the Blue Hornets then get in touch with them via the website www.bluehornetshc.co.uk
The club welcomes all abilities and experience.
If you would like to be part of the Blue Hornets then get in touch with them via the website www.bluehornetshc.co.uk
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