CPS U13 boys are Surrey champions

The U13 boys’ hockey team went into the Surrey Hockey Tournament full of confidence, whilst also aware that they would only get through to the regional stage of the competition if they achieved a place in the final.

The team made a solid start.  However, only a late goal in the first group game separated the teams, with CPS grabbing a 1-0 win against Caterham School.

Next up was a tough game against Parkside. The CPS boys played well and took a convincing 2-0 lead into the second half. However, Parkside scored straight from the second half push back and continued to push for an equaliser,which they got in the final minutes of the game.

From there the team went from strength to strength, recording victories against Reigate Grammar School and St. Andrew’s, winning 3-0 and 2-0 respectively. This meant CPS finished top of their group, but were still drawn in a tough semi-final game against Reed’s School.

Knowing that if the team won the semi-final they would qualify for the regional competition, the boys knew what they had to do. The extra pressure didn’t faze them and they put together a brilliant team performance. Every player worked hard for each other, showed great determination and they were rewarded with an impressive 3-0 win.  This booked a place in the final and the regionals competition.

The final was another fixture against Parkside and once again it was a tight encounter. Both teams finished the day with brilliant team performances. However, once again the teams couldn’t be separated in normal time. The game was decided on penalty flicks which had been the CPS team’s downfall in the earlier IAPS competition. However, on this occasion, they held their nerve, scored all their flicks and won 3-1.

Harry Thomas, team coach, says “The team played 6 games in total; won 5, drew 1 and lost 0, scoring 14 goals.  In fact, they only conceded 3 goals throughout the tournament. Once again, it truly was a team effort and every member played their part.  Well done to all!”

HT

1. Group: W 1-0 Vs Caterham School. Scorer: James D
2. Group: D 2-2 Vs Parkside. Scorers: James D and Jamie F
3. Group: W 3-0 Vs Reigate Grammar School. Scorers: James M x2 and Ragg
4. Group: W 2-0 Vs St. Andrew’s School. Scorers: James M and Jamie F
5. Semi Final: W 3-0 Vs Reed’s School. Scorers: Evan G and James M x2
6. Final: W 3-1 on flicks after 1-1 full time Vs Parkside: Scorer: James M