Epic display of talent

After securing qualification to the regional trials, our U12 boys rocked up to Notts Hockey Centre for the regional finals. As coach Alex and Jo looked at the group games we were nervous... But those nerves quickly faded as the boys put a shift in..

First game Rugby & East Warks.. Very decent team, we've always been slow starters... But the boys came out the blocks and did everything we asked of them.  A very unlucky 2.1 loss to a last minute PC (that should never have been awarded). However that performance filled us with confidence.

Next up North Staffs (Eventual tournament champions) An excellent team who'd won their first game 7.0!!! Some tactical changes we'd discussed pre game after going 2.0 were implemented by Alex and lost  3.0, however we had a lot of chances and it was in no means all one way traffic. 

Third game.. Right boys... Let's do this they looked a bit jaded however we got the first win we were after a solid performance and 2 great goals scored!

Onto the next round.. A perfect performance against Belper..... Ok... We had a bye as Belper hadn't turned up, I'm classing that as a win!

Jo and Alex went to watch the game to see who we'd have next.. Barford Tigers.. they had some epic players one in particular.... But we had the answer to that it was a gamble but it paid off.. Our South African Dynamo who man marked him out the game... It finished 0.0

Shuffles..

Alex and Jo looked at each other with panic maybe we should have practiced them..

After 3 penalties it ended level. Sudden death...

Now...  Having that as a win... For those who were there.. They know.. Yes.. we won that... Well done.. Our GK was tremendous as were the takers...

Our last game was Whitchurch... They looked big..

And after a long day...... I was unsure what we had in the tank... But we were fine... A great performance and a solid 2.0.

The only downer on today was in that game when one of our players was hit on the head with a stick. The game was therefore stopped at 2.0.

Thankfully the first aid training kicked in and with extra support from our very own onsite Nurse Jules V (Alex's Mum) he was treated and sent on his way to QMC. I can happily report he's ok and relaxing at home.

Overall a day that showed just what we were capable of... Not once did anyone drop their heads, a feat I'm proud of. We never panicked, they played with composure and showed true talent and class.

I've never been prouder of a team than today. 

Kids, you were all Epic... Parents, your support and enthusiasm today was just what we needed. Alex, you were brilliant, some great coaching and tactics were spot on today. Jules V, thanks for coming to my aid for first aid assistance.

And me....... I'm just so proud of you all...

Thanks Jo