The Under 12s headed up the A1 on Sunday to Blueharts Hockey Club in Hitchin for their first tournament in a long time. Some nerves, an air of the unknown, but lots of excitement.

We got off to a flying start with a 1-0 win over Broxbourne B. We played some lovely hockey. It was an all round great team effort with a superb finish from Oscar. What a start to the tournament!

We again dominated possession in the next game against Harpenden C with some excellent work from Sam in midfield. The game ended in a slightly frustrating 0-0 draw, but U12s went into the next game more determined than ever to get a win.

Despite facing a strong Letchworth B side, some great pressure from James S, Aled, and Grace, and important tackles from James T and Edward, meant we went 1-0 up after a brilliant finish from Oscar. Another win!

Slightly taken aback by the presence of a goalkeeper in our penultimate game, U12s worked hard and forced the keeper to make lots of saves. We felt unlucky to come away with a 0-0 draw against Blueharts C.

Hearts sank when a goalkeeper again appeared for the final game against Blueharts B. But not to be deterred, the U12s put in a strong performance. Orla got in to some good positions, and Teddy followed up on the rebound with a brilliant goal lifting it past the keeper. Adam smashed the ball past the keeper with a great first touch for our second. We held on to win 2-1.

The team played so well – working together as a team, using the width of the pitch, and brimming with confidence. Well done Edward, Orla, Adam, Grace, Aled, Oscar, Teddy, James S, Sam, James T. The next tournament can’t come soon enough.

Thanks to Jason and to parents for their support on the day.

Results:

WHE 1 – 0 Broxbourne B
WHE 0 – 0 Harpenden C
WHE 1 – 0 Letchworth B
WHE 0 – 0 Blueharts C
WHE 2 – 1 Blueharts B