Kettering U10 girls came 7th out of 16 at the regional finals in Beeston, the highest position by far for a Kettering side to ever achieve at this event.

Kettering took a strong girls squad to Beeston for the regional finals with all of the girls being very motivated and ready to win some games! The team was as follows-
Phoebe Leverett (GK)
Bea Alcorn (C)
Charlotte Bennett
Rose Starsmore-young
Evie McGowan
Millie Brading
Lilly Cockburn
Holly Smith
Layla Perkins
The girls went into the first pool game of the competition strong holding off a well drilled Belper side however just before the final whistle the ball sneaked past Phoebe Leverett in to the goal and the girls lost 1-0. This didn't matter though as they soon picked themselves up and went out all guns blazing in the second game against Worcester this lead to much more positive attacking hockey from the Kettering side. Layla Perkins played brilliantly as a forward and received the ball in the 'D' only to slot it home for Kettering; 1-0 win! The third game was a very evenly matched fixture with both Kettering and Leek having moments of domination although neither team could quite score and therefore a 0-0 draw.
This left Kettering in 2nd place in the pool therefore the opportunity to play off for places 1-8, a situation we have never been in before!

The first play off game was against Sutton Coldfield who were a very strong team and had beaten everyone in their pool very comfortably. Kettering never gave up throughout the match and did not at all look out of place although despite the best efforts from brilliant defenders Bea Alcorn and Charlotte Bennett at the back Kettering unfortunately lost 3-0. The next game was against local rivals Northampton Saints of which Kettering dominated the whole game with some lovely play from Holly Smith and Rose Starsmore-young. However a sudden break form Saints in the last minute lead to a goal which was completely against the run of play, an unfortunate loss. The final game was drawn against another local team, Market Harborough. By this point both teams were very tired however Kettering continued to apply good pressure on Harborough's defence after a Bea Alcorn ball into the 'D' was deflected towards the goal by Rose Starsmore-young however the post just got in the way, full time: 0-0. This means flicks, for a group of youngsters who have never really seen a flick before never mind taken one this was scary but after 2 rounds of flicks from Bea alcorn, Rose Starsmore-young and Evie McGowan, Kettering were taken to victory after a fine save by goalkeeper Phoebe Leverett. This resulted in the girls coming in 7th place, a very successful day.
Well done to all of the players who played so brilliantly and demonstrated the improvements that they have made throughout the season. Also a massive thank you to the parents who were so supportive, not only today but throughout the season!