Boys IAPS Hockey National Finals 2013

We had a very pleasant and fun evening and night in Street, Somerset before we set off at 8.00am to play in the Boys IAPS Hockey National Finals 2013 at Millfield School.

1st Squad: Thomas Hitchcock(Captain), Luke Bury, Johnathan Barber, Oliver Stonham, Barnaby Stoner, Thomas Walker, Samuel Wisbey, Hamish Rowe, Matthew Stratton (Goalkeeper).

Four Leagues of Five teams.
In our League we played:
Millfield  Lost 0 - 2  A very weak start by Felsted. They seemed to hope it would happen without to much effort but the teams at this level are all good and there are no easy games.
St Andrews (Woking) Lost 0 - 1. A better game but still to many individuals playing well.
We did have chances in these games but let the opposition score.
Castle Court Won 4 - 2.  0 -1 down to start with! Goals at last. A better game and a lot more passing and movement. A big step up at last. Goals by Johnathan Hoile 3, Barnaby 1.
Craigclowan 3 - 1  Again more passing and movement. A more solid defence from Luke Bury and Thomas Hitchcock.
Four matches and we were 3rd in our League which meant we were in the Plate Championship not the main competition.

A knock out competition.
Felsted played the 4th from another League: Downs School. Felsted defended efficiently through Johnathan Barber and created some effective passing to Win 3 - 1. Goals by Samuel Wisbey 2 and Thomas Walker 1.

Semi Final: v Cargifield. A tougher match. Felsted looked good for a change and were passing with style and showing their skills. Won 3 - 1. Goals by Thomas Walker 2, Johnathan 1.

Final of the Plate: v Castle Court. (From our own league) Felsted were confident and pssed the ball with precision but still the ball control was difficult on the dry bouncy astro turf. Oliver Stonham scored a cracker of a goal. The match was very even. Felsted Won 1 - 0.

Felsted Won the Plate Competition.

In the end a very good performance with some fabulous individual skills and a Plate shield and medal. Overall an enjoyable and productive experience for the whole squad and myself. Man of the Championship for Felsted was our goalkeeper Matthew Stratton who nonchalantly made several big saves at important moments in matches. Thank you to the reserves who played an important role keeping the squad alert and under pressure.