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U-18 Mixed Hockey Tournament

U-18 Mixed Hockey Tournament

Neil Manley19 Mar 2017 - 19:21
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Youngsters acquit themselves well

Kettering entered a team in a mixed U-18 tournament at Bedford and acquitted themselves very well.

The scratch side introduced themselves to each other before the first match and also realised that the opposition players were typically two years older than them. The young Kettering side had an average age of 15 whereas the other teams were mostly 16, 17 & 18-year olds.

Undaunted, Kettering got stuck in and competed well against teams from Bedford, Lichfield and Luton. Unfortunately, all three matches ended up with defeats.

Even though many players were not in their usual playing positions, the youngsters improved as a team with every match.

In the 5th/6th/7th play-off Kettering took on the Bedford B side and played their best match of the tournament.
Harriet Drake-Lee made a strong, determined run down the left. As she entered the circle, the keeper came out but Drake-Lee calmly slipped the ball into the corner.
George York doubled the lead when he collected a pass at the top of the circle and smashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Bedford pulled one back but Kettering kept up the attacking pressure and Dominik Cusk finished off after good work by Jack Bridges.

In their final game, Kettering lost to a strong Bedford A side.

All in all, a very good learning experience for all the players who will be eligible to play for several years to come.
Yet another promising sign for the future of Kettering Hockey Club.

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