Thanks to the organisational skills of Kyoko Leadlay, a large contingent of BEHC Juniors and parents were able to enjoy the Men's World League Semi Finals at Lee Valley together.
On a beautiful summer's day, we were treated first to India's demolition of Pakistan, featuring a couple of belting finishes from Akashdeep Singh. Coaching point #1 (demonstrated by Pakistan) brilliant individual skills don't make a brilliant team.
Next up England against the Olympic champions Argentina. Argentina half asleep for the first part of the game and England quickly 3-0 up. Thanks in part to a fluffed 10 yard push pass from Gonzalo Peillat, the world's greatest drag flicker! Coaching point #2: look after the basics!
At this point Argentina decided to play like Olympic champions again and it was quickly 3-3. England clung on, indebted to George Pinner's penalty flick save and the well coordinated support of the BE youngsters, to escape with a draw.
After the games, on to the serious competition: Isla Nisbet defeating all comers in the autograph hunt! Our Juniors happy to get some photos with England men's captains past and present, and then even happier to come across a couple of gold medallists on the way out.
Thanks to Kyoko for organising a great day. When's the next one?