Boys Under 12s - Regional Finals

On a sunny Sunday Telford’s U12’s travelled in their mass to Nottingham Hockey Centre for the 2022 In2Hockey Regional Finals. 

Eight of Telford’s finest young stars were ready for the challenge as they faced Belper, Ashby and Bromsgrove in a tough group as they hoped to progress to the final 8. The side were without young jockey Charlie Heath who missed out with Covid after a positive lateral flow on Saturday night.

Belper were the first side in Telford’s sights which turned out to be the toughest game of the group stage. An early goal for Belper did not deflate the lads as they continued to play some attractive hockey and pass their way into the game. Telford had their chances late on but could not convert as Eddie Sykes and James Ashbridge just missed at the far posts. 

The second game was a must win for Telford if they hoped to progress into the final 8 and mix it with the big boys. Ashby awaited and Telford got themselves an early goal and seemed to be cruising to victory. A defensive error gifted Ashby a goal with less than a minute on the clock. Another disappointing moment for the lads, but no one can write these lads off. Eddie stuck his hand up and picked up the gauntlet, latching onto a loose ball in the middle he ran into the ‘D’ and slotted the ball into the goal with ice running through his veins to give Telford a 2-1 win. 

With a win in the bag, confidence was flowing as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Bromsgrove and secured a spot in the top 8.

Finishing 2nd always meant that the lads would face a tough opponent, but it doesn’t get much tougher than world domination seeking Repton. Confidence was high and the lads’ bellies were firing, and the game was played at a ferocious pace from start to finish. Eddie went close early on but it was Repton who dealt the first blow, but again, nothing can keep Telford down. Eddie showed Repton what he could do as he scored straight from push back. After dancing through several tackles and sending several of the Repton lads into the middle of next week he approached the ‘D’. BOSH! An absolute rocket was unleashed at the very capable Repton keeper who was left standing. The ball found the top corner and it was pandemonium in the travelling Telford Ultras away end. 

The game was a 1-1 draw which meant penalty strokes. Eddie, Seb and Will stood up for Telford but unfortunately lost 2-1. The tears were running but there was no time for sympathy, some tough love from AJ and Goughy on the bench made sure that the boys were ready for the next game. 

After the disappointment against Repton the lads’ character was really put to the test as they were chucked into the deepest of deep ends. Beeston in their own back yard is always a challenge, but they didn’t know what was about to come their way. Despite rock solid defender Savan going off injured, you simply cannot write these lads off. Short corner to Telford. Goal for Eddie. Counterattack for Telford. You guessed it. Goal for Eddie. 2-0 to Telford. The Bees had been stung. 

It was 5th or 6th to be played for in the final game. The lads certainly weren’t settling for 6th. A superb performance in the final game with goals from Eddie and Seb gave Telford a 2-0 win over Stone and secured 5th place, the best result by a Telford side at the tournament to date. 

Despite Eddie and Seb stealing the spotlight in terms of goals, all of the lads contibuted and were instrumental in the teams performance today, well done to Oscar, Elliot, Will Pitson, James, Seth in goal and Savan.

A superb day of hockey played by a truly brilliant team who did themselves and the club proud in what was a brilliant experience for everyone. Thank you to everyone that has supported the boys over the season, the players, parents and siblings that supported today, we could not have done it without you!

Big thanks to AJ and Luca for their support on the side-line, and Raj for blowing the whistle!