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On Sunday 31st March we opened our doors to 45 teams from 15 visiting clubs, they were here to join us us for our Annual Tournament. This is a big day for us, we celebrate the end of the season with top quality hockey on a competitive level but with the obligatory added dose of fun and friendship.
The visiting teams were from near and far - Ashford, Braintree, Cambridge City, Epsom, Folkestone, Guildford, Holcombe, Maidstone, Marden Russetts, London Wayfarers, Saffron Walden, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Wimbledon. We added 9 of our own teams totalling 54 teams, the match schedule was cleverly put together by Annie Hare – how she fits in 164 short matches throughout the day and runs to time we will never know!
We would like to thank all the volunteers from the hockey club who helped – these events need a lot of support and the wide variety of folk who offered their help on the day made all the difference, so thank you for your support whether it was Umpiring, Pitch Marshalling, Food and drink supplying, scoreboard updating, team organising, first aid supporting, or generally parenting….. thank you, the list is endless!
As I said the day is competitive – there were trophies and medals to be won and the standard of play was strong and a joy for the spectators to watch. The medal winners for each age group were as follows;
U8 Mixed
Gold; London Wayfarers, Silver; Epsom, Bronze; Ashford.
U10 Girls
Gold; Guildford, Silver; Wimbledon, Bronze; Canterbury Sharks
U10 Boys
Gold; Canterbury Lions, Silver; Canterbury Tigers, Bronze; Wimbledon
U12 Girls
Gold; London Wayfarers, Silver; Guildford, Bronze; Sevenoaks
U12 Boys
Gold; Canterbury Pumas, Silver; Guildford, Bronze; Wimbledon
Thank you to all those who took part, and apologies for not getting the weather quite right this year!
Rachel Brett
For those who want to take a look at the photos DE Photos took on the day - follow the link below....
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U12 BOYS PUMAS AT THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
After the warmth of Saturday, the Pumas arrived at a somewhat chilly Polo Farm hoping to find victory in the Canterbury tournament.
The first game against Ashford started slowly, but the boys soon found their passing rhythm and scored some good goals to register a comfortable win.
Next up was Wimbledon, one of the favourites to win the tournament. The boys played some really good hockey in this game, keeping the ball well and dominating possession. We managed to limit a strong opposition to only one shot during the match. Meanwhile we created a number of opportunities to score and managed to take the lead after a well worked move. Despite leading we continued to pile on the pressure and thought we had scored a second, only to be over-ruled by the central timing as the whistle went as the ball was on the way to the net. A really pleasing performance and result.
Our next game against Folkestone was won relatively comfortably, and then we faced Epsom, who again were a well-drilled side with some good players. The boys had to raise their game and did so with a really strong passing performance, winning two-nil. The final group game saw us face Saffron Walden and after a patchy start we quickly found our rhythm and manged to score a number of good goals to win 5-0.
This set up a final against Guildford, always a tough side to play and who have consistently been strong at u10 and u12 level. At the end of the chilly and tiring afternoon, the team had to step up and find another good performance. Guildford were by far the strongest team we had played, with two excellent defenders and a number of skilful attacking players. This was a really competitive game between two evenly matched teams. The team fought really hard to get a foothold in the game. It was the first time that the defence had been truly tested and stretched, however they stood up to the task. The team's improving fitness played a part in limiting the opposition to speculative passes into the circle. On one of our breaks, Rhys made a good pass to Jonny who in turn fed a diving Nathan to touch in at the far post. A well worked passing goal and our noses in front. Despite Guildford stepping up their play and really pushing for an equaliser, we held firm to claim an excellent victory.
The team should be really pleased with an excellent day's work, not conceding a goal across six matches, in fact hardly conceding a shot and scoring a number of good goals. Everyone in the squad performed well and made a contribution to the win. The boys could see the level that will be required at the Regional tournament as Guildford despite their obvious ability did not qualify. Thanks again to Annie and all her helpers for running what is such a great tournament. Thanks also to all of the parents and coaches for all the support.
Team: Jacob Beer, Freddie McMullan, Thomas Hutchings, Rhys Harmer, Nathan
Sumner, Robin Cox, Thomas Tan, Henry Goodwin, Thomas Grantham-Stevens, Jonny Devereux
Paul Surridge
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U12 BOYS PANTHERS AT THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
The Panthers started their pool matches strongly in the Canterbury Tournament with good 2-0 wins over Maidstone and Sevenoaks. We were aggressive in attack and strong in defence and made use of our speed to outpace our opponents. Maidstone were overwhelmed with our attacks, and Sevenoaks were caught with two brilliant fast counter attacks from our D.
The next two matches were a different tale, with firstly a 2-0 loss against London Wayfarers. A runaway break from them lead to an early goal, and then our structure seemed to fall apart. We were trying too hard to push forwards and run into their defence rather than recycling the ball around the back into undefended space. A second runaway break from the opposition led to a 2-0 defeat.
Our next match was again a 2-0 defeat against Guildford who played better hockey and were the eventual pool winners. We had played well, but tired legs were showing.
The last pool match against Holcombe was much better with a 1-0 victory, which could have been more with a good few chances in the D.
We ended up with 9 points on a par with two other teams, but due to goal difference were placed 4th in the pool.
Our placing match against Saffron Walden was much better with a 3-0 win, but could have been more. We were playing like it was our first match, with structure and pace. Well done boys!
Thanks to all parents for supporting us all season, and thanks to James Long for helping to umpire all our matches. Special thanks to Annie and the team for all their hard work and dedication. Without them toiling away in the background all these events would not be possible!
Team: Archie Br, Archie Bu, Breandan C, Kyle GK, Martin LC, Daniel L, Adam Mc, Jack P and Will S.
Nick Tan
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U12 GIRLS AT THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
The climax to the season saw the U12 girls competing in the annual Canterbury tournament. In our pool we had six teams including ourselves. Our opening match was against Ashford. The girls got off to a strong start applying pressure early on. A fine cross from Savannah found Miriam who tucked it away for a 1-0 win.
Next up was Tunbridge Wells who the girls had lost to earlier in the season. A strong end to end performance with some fine saves from Neave led to a 0-0. The referee at the end commented on what lovely hockey both teams had played and it was the best match he had seen so far.
Our third match was against a strong Guildford side who earlier in the season we had lost heavily to. Both teams had chances which they didn’t convert. Defence held strong but one counter attack from Guildford led to a goal. Resulting in a 1-0 loss.
The next game up was against Wimbledon which finished 0-0. On to the final pool game against Saffron Walden saw the girls put in a very solid, attacking performance resulting in a well deserved 3-0 win. Two goals for Miriam and one for Poppy.
The scores were then calculated with the girls narrowly missing out on second place by one point. A third place pool position meant we went on to play Cambridge. Another strong performance by our girls but they couldn’t convert their chances so resulted in a 0-0. We ended the day fifth equal out of 12 teams. A great result to end the season.
Today’s hockey showed how far these girls have improved this season with every member committing to each game. The smiles on their faces said it all!! Thank you to all the parents for your support throughout the season and also to Annie for organising yet another successful Canterbury tournament. Of course we are the best club in the country and certainly the most hospitable, not my words but the words of the teams that travelled far and wide to come along. Roll on next season!!!
Sarah Gotke
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U10 BOYS TIGERS AND LIONS AT THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
GOLD AND SILVER MEDAL WINNERS
The Tigers and parents arrived a little shell shocked with not just the early start but the change in weather a shock to the system. Keen to maintain their unbeaten record the Tigers set about their business easing themselves in to the tournament with a goalless draw against Ashford. Having shaken off the first game nerves the Tigers went one better in the following game against Folkstone beating them one nil with a goal from Jude deftly tapped in from a well worked cross. Winning ways continued against Sevenoaks and another 1-0 win this time Lincoln scoring a well taken goal.
London Wayfarers proved a sterner test and another midfield battle ensued leading to a goal less draw. Guildford up next and a win needed to sustain pressure on the teams at the top of the table and with Heath dispatching to the back of the net another win. This enabled the Tigers to top their group still unbeaten and on to a fitting climax to the season in the final against Canterbury Lions.
The game settled in to a good rhythm with both teams testing each other. Ollie Triggs made some excellent saves keeping the Tigers in the game. Despite some lovely play the Lions moved the ball swiftly and three lovely passing moves lead to goals for the Lions and the Tigers earned themselves a very creditable silver medal.
This really was a fitting end to a great season for the Tigers. From defence through midfield to the forwards all players have improved throughout the season and have learned to link together well, when they find and use the width they really play some champagne hockey. Well done to all the boys and good luck for next season whether remaining in the U10s or moving on up to U12 the future really is bright for these boys.
Thanks to the parents for their unwavering support throughout the season. Thanks to Annie and all the team for organising such a great tournament to end the season.
Tigers: Ollie Triggs, Hugo Fassum, Harry Ledger, Tom Harrup, Lincoln Goldsack, Heath Voissey-Stovell, Louis Bennett, Connor Grantham-Stevens, Jude Leberl, Leo Rolison
Photo of the Tigers and Lions
Vicki Beatty
The Lions had a good morning of hockey, despite the cool weather. The boys played some excellent, fast flowing hockey which created many chances. Up first, the boys faced Marden. From the first whistle, attack after attack was being hurled at the Marden defence and it wasn’t long before the goals started to flow, 6-0 final score.
The next two games were very tight both going our way winning them both 1-0 against Cambridge and Wimbledon. Next, the boys faced Tunbridge Wells and unfortunately this game was a one sided affair with us winning 9-0. Our final pool game was against Epsom which was a great dual. An early goal set the boys up on there way knowing victory would put them through to the final, 4-0 was a flattering result in the end, considering Epsom almost scored on a couple of occasions.
So to the final which would see the Lions up against the Tigers for a very much deserved end of season match. The boys started very slowly and it wasn’t long before Ben was put to the test, saving a couple of decent shots. Then the breakaway goal was scored and from then on the boys were putting more pressure on the Tigers’ defence, scoring two more to make it 3-0 at the end.
A great team performance from the boys again today proving that they are the best under 10 team in the county. Ben Beatty kept another clean sheet all day and marshalled his defence of Will G, Joey B and Tom Rogers very well. Midfield of Will Upton, Reef Upton and Dominic Curtis were a constant threat causing all sorts of problems for the opposition. Up front pairing of Freddie Post and Rhys Jones worked there socks of to put pressure where was necessary.
Goals scored 24 and 0 conceded.
Dom 5, Will U 5, Reef U 5, Freddie 3, Rhys 3, Will G 2 and Tom Rogers 1
Team. Ben Beatty, Will Gardiner, Tom Rogers, Joey Burden, Will Upton, Reef Upton, Dominic Curtis, Rhys Jones, Freddie Post.
Overall an excellent end to the season. Canterbury tournament champions🏆 🥇.
I would like to thank all the parents for their support throughout the season and making sure the boys always got to the matches on time. From a coaching point of view, the boys have worked tirelessly all season with the coaches and management team and should all be incredibly proud of themselves and all they have achieved - it’s been a pleasure working with such a great team!
Helen Gardiner
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U12 GIRLS FRIENDLY VS CAMBRIDGE CITY
Cambridge City U12 girls team made a weekend of it and came down to Canterbury on Saturday to play a friendly against our Canterbury girls before the annual tournament, what a great idea!
Our girls were all very enthusiastic about the late afternoon games and came out strong taking a 1-0 win in the first game.
The second and fourth game were close with the girls losing 1-0 in both games and drawing the 3rd.
All games were end to end hockey and the girls showcased some great hockey.
The fifth game saw the two teams mixing up and playing together, this seemed to bring out some of the best hockey of the afternoon.
Thank you Cambridge for a great afternoons of sport and fun. we hope to do it again in thee future.
Guy Truleock and Sarah Gotke
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An independent school offering an excellent all-round education
for ages 3 - 18
Scholarships available.
Call us to find out more 01227 475601
www.stedmunds.org.uk
Proud sponsors of the Junior Hockey Club
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proud to sponsor Canterbury Junior Hockey Club.
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