On Saturday 7th May an undefeated ACHC U12 Boys squad arrived at Nottingham Hockey Centre to battle it out in the England Hockey U12 National Finals. The squad – led by Dan Moan, Frazer Wilson and Tom Goldsmith – consisted of Frank Harrop, Oliver Osborn, William Moan, Jeevan Brar, Beau Copeland, Max O’Leary, William Herring (Captain) , Loic Folmer and Henry Hayward.
ACHC had been undefeated up until this point having convincingly won the Buckinghamshire County Cup on Sunday 6th March on home turf at ACHC. This then took them to Reading HC to compete in the South East England Central competition to play against the top clubs in the South East Central region. After a compelling final, the ACHC boys beat Reading HC to progress onto the National Finals.
Their first game in Nottingham was against ISCA (from Exeter). This resulted in a 2-2 draw despite some dispute around ISCA’s second goal. Henry Hayward was caught by the opposition’s swing and was carried off for first aid. Unfortunately this game also saw the end to Beau Copeland’s competition. His ankle got in the way of a big 16 yard free hit. Beau was then carted off by ambulance to A&E in Nottingham University Hospital for an x-ray. A tense time for the squad who were emotionally knocked by losing Henry and then Beau in defence.
The second game was a 1-1 draw against Deeside Ramblers (from Cheshire). A final knock for ACHC came when the captain William Herring was also taken off the pitch after a direct hit to the head from the opposition’s hockey stick. William nursed his head with ice as his troops soldiered on. ACHC definitely kept St John’s Ambulance busy!!.
The third game in the group rounds was against Repton (from Derby). This finished in a well deserved 5-2 win . No injuries. What a result!!
With just a one goal difference between ACHC and the winners of the group, these results led to ACHC making it to the 3rd/4th play off.
In the meantime Beau Copeland, in true sporting hero style, made it back from hospital (fortunately no broken ankle) to cheer his team mates on in the final game. Old Georgians (from Surrey) took an early lead and ACHC’s heads went down. The final result (a 7-1 hammering) did not reflect the spirit of the match but Old Georgians certainly showed no mercy!
Despite this first and final loss of the season, we are all very proud of the boys and a special mention to Jeevan Brar who was the tournament’s second highest goal scorer, scoring 4 goals. We were all thrilled to have the support of John Spicer, Kern, Jacko and his family on the day, all of whom also played a part in developing this fine squad of hockey players. Coming fourth in this National competition made for a truly memorable day and is a fantastic achievement.
With thanks to Jane Hayward for the write up.
