Crunch time coming up for the Boys Under-18′s – we have had a good season so far no doubt down to the tactical genius of the modest manager but possibly also down to the fact we have an excellent crop of youngsters, the majority of which have played together for several seasons.
That said, we have a very small squad with a maximum of 7 in the age group and it has been a challenge fielding sides and most games we have featured under 14′s. The standard of play is frighteningly high, quick, skillful and committed.
We have done well so far – we have won 2 and lost 2 in the top league – losing to Reading, beating Reading A 4-2 and Oxford Hawks 3-2, before a weakened team lost 2-1 to Maidenhead last month.This Sunday, we play Teddington and a win should see us through to the playoffs.
Fair to say, though, our focus is on the National Plate cup where we lost somehow in the semi-finals last season. In the main cup, we had a fantastic game against one of the best hockey schools in the country, Langley Park. One of the best games I have had the pleasure to see with our boys just going down 4 goals to 3 against one of the faves for the cup (and who beat last years winners, Southgate, in the next round).
Into the plate and we have progressed to the last 16 and play one of the favourites again (but then so are we), Guildford. Game is at Home 2.15 on Sunday 1 Mar after the Mixed Cup game. Please come and watch if you possibly can – the boys are good players, the game is guaranteed to be fast and skillful and the boys will really appreciate the support.
