EC U/13 

HBU U13 faced strong competition in their latest round of matches in Eastern Counties U13. The small squad travelled to Cambridge for 4 tough games.

The first of which was against the team in 2nd place, Letchworth who HBU had previously lost and drawn against in two very tight games, this time HBU went one up, playing some very pleasing hockey. This game was between two well organised teams with HBU creating most of the opportunities and good team play resulting in a narrow HBU lead at half time. The 2nd half continued in the same manner with HBU going 4-1 up only to concede a late goal and the final score 4-2 to Utd with goals from Josh(3) and Jamie (1)

The 2nd game was against cup final opponents Cottenham who HBU had recently played in a couple of close matches. Their opponents were showing some good form with promising results. HBU started the game in a good manner, continuing the same form as the previous match and quickly went ahead and continued to pull away with the final score a surprising 14-1 to HBU with goals from Josh and Oli (4 each), Jamie and George(3 each). Their third game was against Cambridge, a strong team one place below HBU in the table. HBU went into this match confident, due to their current form. Unfortunately this confidence was replaced with complacency and HBU found themselves a goal down and chasing the match, this pattern was reflected throughout the match with poor tackling, good teamwork replaced by individual play, despite their late pressure HBU were unable to grab the winning goal and game ended 4-4 with Josh Butcher notching all four goals.

The final game against a very strong Ely side saw HBU needing to return to their team play that was so successful earlier in the day. From the outset HBU defended as a unit and restricted their opponents to very few chances while creating their own. A goalless but entertaining first half. The second half saw HBU creating some good movement in the Ely box when Jamie put the side 1-0 ahead. The next few minutes would be critical for HBU as their opponents had created very little in the 2nd half. Unfortunately HBU had 3 minutes of sloppiness and allowed Ely to equalise and then score the decisive winning goal, this was a harsh lesson, but brought about the end of a positive days play. Played 4, Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 1.
The team that travelled all played well and interchanging of the team throughout the day was pleasing with all players contributing equally. Special mention to Will, who didn’t get his name on the scoresheet but contributed to all the positives throughout the day and showed great team play by passing to a better placed team mate when chances presented themselves to him.
The squad was completed by Goal Keeper Rhys Young who gave another solid display. All the team have shown what they are capable of and now have to try and maintain this in all games.

Squad: Rhys Young(GK), (C) Jamie McVey(5), Josh Butcher(11), George Daly(3), Oliver Hudson(4), Will Parkinson- Wellard.

Player of the tournament–  very difficult to choose! each out player played his part, Josh Butcher scored more, Will didn’t score any but was great-and passed when he could have tried a shot! Jamie is the all round player who makes the team tick, covering more often than I count, George played well in mainly defensive positions and is good on the ball, Oli made some good passes and scored a few also. Rhys in goal was almost faultless –

Every player deserved it but Will is the player of Tournament this time

---