At Chelmer Park, the U12 Boys Academy squad played some hard games coming up against Blue Hornets losing 5-1 (Tom Steingold scoring) and an “on song” Old Loughts team losing 6-0.

 

Bishops Stortford was a more closely fought game with a 2-0 loss and but for a post our fixture against Crostyx would have been considerably different from the 2-0 loss.

 

Throughout Jamie Marland was outstanding as goalkeeper, repelling more than 3 times the shots on goal that scored. The team ran themselves to a standstill by the last ten minutes of an overall 60 minutes of hockey.

 

Andy Bailey wrote the following report for the Witham matches …

 

“Chelmsford B’s faced some very strong opposition, including a couple of A teams, and fought hard in all their matches. All the boys acquitted themselves very well but a special mention

must go to our two goalkeepers Jake and Jamie Matthews for their efforts, and, once released from the shackles of the pads, Jake’s tackling on the pitch matched his efforts between the posts. 

 

Amongst all the other fine efforts it was great to see Malachi back to his best and to welcome Chris Beckett to the club. I think everyone, not least the opposition fullback, was amazed by his 

outrageous behind the back dribble skill, something that I, after taking medical advice, have been advised not to try any time soon!

 

Chelmsford C’s came away with 2 draws and 2 losses from a difficult schedule which saw them having to play 3 matches on the spin at the end of the day. The squad included a number of players,

with only a few training sessions under their belt, experiencing tournament hockey for the first time and it is great to see that our numbers have increased so much that we are able to put 3 teams out on the same day, even allowing for several holiday absentees. 

 

The whole squad deserves praise, Thomas for his efforts in goal, Quinten and Ciaran for their defence, Kasper, Tom, Toby and Lucas for their midfield work and William for his efforts up front.”

 

Overall I have to say thanks to all involved – Boys, Parents and those who have volunteered – it is good that our boys get a chance for competition and I am most grateful to all.

 

I should say an especial thank you to Andy for coaching for the whole time at Witham to say nothing of Kelly in sorting things out umpiring and kit collecting, etc.

 

I shall send out the In2Hockey schedule under separate cover and will work out the two squads to take to Redbridge this coming weekend.

 

Kind regards

 

Toby

Coach and Match Manager U12 Boys