Both AHC U13 Girls and Boys came away with trophies from the Surbiton Colts Tony Smith Tournament on 18th April, in aid of Cancer Trust on . The girls started the off the celebrations by winning the Bowl after a battle of 5 games before facing Surbiton 2s in the semi final. Robin Wheeler scored from a penalty corner to secure the 1 – 0 win taking them into the final against Epsom. It was a nail biting game after coming back from a goal down to equalise in the last few minutes with a fantastic reverse stick goal from Robin Wheeler hit from the top of the D taking the game into extra time and then onto penalties. Robin Wheeler, Beth Jefferies and Bella Bogan stepped up to take a penalty and each of them made sure the ball was safe in the net. Ashford keeper Hannah Merchant saved the 3rd penalty shot from Epsom to take home the trophy after winning 3 – 2 on penalties. Their previous games leading up to the finals were 0 – 0 draws against Wimbledon 2s and Epsom, 0 – 1 loss against Surbiton 3s and 1 – 2 loss against Cheam. Although there were many shots and chances on goal during the earlier matches Robin Wheeler was the only one who managed to get onto the score sheet after a goal during a penalty corner. Team: Hannah Merchant (GK), Lauren Clarey, Harriett Brockwell in defence, Bella Bogan and Rasna Sandhu sweeping backs with Robin Wheeler, Beth Jefferies and Charlotte Elms playing up front.
The U13 boys faced some tough opposition during the warm afternoon sunshine having to play 3 matches in a row. Although it appeared on paper that they sailed through to the finals, it could have easily gone either way in some games but they kept their cool and took the opportunities of rebounds to score goals. They met Bromley & Beckenham in the final who put the pressure on from the start and had to defend 2 penalty corners within the first few minutes. Ashford kept their cool and managed to get the ball down the other end resulting in a fine shot from Vice Captain Gregg Smith which was helped away by Harry Weigner to win the game 1 – 0 and take home the Vase. Captain Luke Wheeler showed off his new skills he had been learning all season with some impressive Arial balls in all games but in particular the earlier games where Harry Weigner scored 1 and Gregg Smith got a hat trick during 1 game and scored 1 in another. Luke Wheeler and Sam Betts scored 3 impressive goals each. There was some great defensive play from Aranvir Singh, Joske Opdenakker and Adesh Aulakh. Chris Taylor made some fine saves as goal keeper only conceding 1 goal all tournaments and Jack Ridley held his own as one of the youngest players on the field. Results of the earlier wins were 1 – 0 against Surbiton, 3 – 1 Bromley & Beckenham, 4 – 0 against Reading, and 3 – 0 against Horsham.
