U8s FEAST ON THEIR FIRST TOURNAMENT

Under 8’s Triangular Tournament - Gillingham, Canterbury & Blackheath & OEs

Tournament Report: Matt Hutchings

BOE U8s made the well travelled journey from their SE London stronghold to visit the most welcoming Gillingham Anchorians for the first games of the U8 season. The tournament consisted of 4 matches, one against the hosts and the balance against three strong away teams from Canterbury who also brought two goalkeepers with them. A position our U8s are yet to fill.

BOE fielded a strong squad of 10 eager, well drilled players coached by the experienced Will Nurse. Coach Nurse proving that it's not just the fairer sex that can multi task, as he guided the team to 3 wins and a narrow loss whilst balancing a crying then sleeping toddler on his shoulder - Wenger, Mourinho, Klopp et al take note.

BOE 1 -2 Canterbury 1s

Resplendent in red the U8s lined up for their first match against the much fancied Canterbury 1s but straight from push back the reds began to dominate proceedings. In an unconventional move Coach Nurse employed the honey pot formation by crowding out the opposition with a relentless swarm attack. This paid dividends as the reds peppered the Canterbury goal with Hector Rose giving the reds the lead with a mazy dribble and shot. As the pressure mounted on the beleaguered Canterbury goalkeeper they suddenly broke with lightening speed and the game was all square in the blink of an eye. Great tackling from Isla Nisbet and clever running from Ivan Li-Thomson in a nifty combination move started by Harry Hutchings from the back that resulted in a skilful reverse stick cross from the lively Noah Wilde pinned Canterbury in their own half and saw then fight off several goals scoring attempts. However the hockey gods are a fickle mistress and again Canterbury broke with strength with a fine strike resulting in a 2-1 win for Canterbury.

BOE 8 -0 Gillingham Anchorians

The second match saw the Club paired with the home team Gillingham Anchorians, again the reds began with gusto pouring forwards at every opportunity, solid at the back, creative in midfield and sharp upfront Gillingham were no match for the well drilled, silky reds. Coach Nurse subtlety tweaked the formation giving more width, his tactic allowed the free running Betty Barber and Nicole Riley to dominate proceedings, tigerish tackling from Harrison Nurse and Peter Squire allowed a platform for Miles Bennett to dictate play. BOE pressure told and several goals from Noah, Hector, Isla and Ivan opened the floodgates. Like a biblical tide the reds literally washed the spirited home team away, an 8-0 victory ensued.

BOE 3 – 0 Canterbury 2s

Canterbury 2s were next on the menu for the hungry reds and with a ruthless efficiency they devoured the opposition. Like a fine wine they grew in both body and flavour, the al a carte reds proceeded to serve up a three course meal of fine hockey dining, for starters they teased and lightly sautéed the Canterbury midfield scoring with an effortless smooth passing move and a clinical finish from Miles, for the main they roasted the Canterbury defence before carving them open for the second goal by Ivan, the third was the icing on the cake and left Canterbury unable to stand the heat in the kitchen.

BOE 2 -1 Canterbury 3s

In the final match the now ebullient reds faced yet another Canterbury side eager to stop the red tide. Again the reds played with spirit and skill, the match was end to end with some ferocious tackling from BOE, Canterbury were however in a determined mood, they pressed the BOE defence but were unable to breach the stoic line and with some fine defending from the reds they cleared the ball again and again. This time it was the BOEs turn to attack on the break and they did so with a rapier like thrust, three quick passes and the ball was in the net. Canterbury hit back immediately and levelled the contest, both teams fought hard but it was the reds who were to be the victor, the ball was moved wide and an accurate cross resulted in a 2-1 win and the celebrations begun.

A big thank you to Coach Will Nurse and to all the parents for making the journey.

Squad

Noah Wilde
Ivan Li-Thomson
Will Nurse
Hector Rose
Harry Hutchings
Peter Squire
Betty Barber
Isla Nisbet
Nicole Riley
Miles Bennett