The town was well represented at the National Cup Finals with Herne Bay United in U15 and U17 and Herne Bay club in U11 and U13. The event was originally scheduled for the Bay Arena but was moved to the new Middlesbrough venue due to hire costs.

Herne Bay United’s Under 17s finished the season with mixed emotions. Having completed a regional league and cup double – undefeated, HBU were hoping to add to their trophy collection facing Letchworth in the U15 & U17 age groups.

U17: HBU opened the scoring through Josh Branchett with a long range effort that flew past the unsighted keeper and 2 minutes later a retaken direct free hit from Lewis Greenwood doubled the lead and saw HBU dominate the first half without adding to the goal tally, something they would regret later in the match. After a sending off, keeper Rhys Young saved the resulting penalty but HBU had to continue for the next 2 minutes reduced to 3 out-players. HBU maintained the lead until the last 5 minutes when Letchworth scored 2 quick goals but with less than 2 minutes later of the match remaining Greenwood added to his tally and HBU ran out 3 – 2 winners and are National Under 17 champions.

U15: The U 15 game saw HBU hold a 2 -0 lead at half time despite a sluggish performance not reflective of the team’s usual style. Extending the lead in the 2nd half and conceding a poor goal HBU were defending a 3-1 lead with goals from Ollie(2) and George(1) before 2 late Letchworth goals took the game into golden-goal extra time.  Letchworth’s strong play had built up a 10 team-foul count and HBU were awarded a direct free-hit. The hit was not converted and when Letchworh regained possession a shot was deflected past HBU’s keeper and Letchworth were cup winners. Disappointed HBU were unlucky to lose the game and rued the many missed chances and multiple penalty misses.

Both games were great for the crowd and despite the late loss the team rounded off a successful season.

U17 squad: Rhys Young, Jack Thomas(gk) Lewis Greenwood (c), Josh Branchett, David Martindale, Josh Butcher, Will Parkinson Wellard, Matt Lawrie, Jamie McVey,Ollie Hudson.

U15 squad: : Rhys Young, Jack Thomas(gk) Jamie McVey(c), Ollie Hudson, George Daly, Luke Huckstepp, Noah Latham, Harry Slack, Cameron Lawrie

During the medal ceremony HBU players Lewis Greenwood and George Daly received national recognition and were announced as the best players in the U 17 and U15 categories respectively. Congratulations to both of the players! This season has seen 6 Herne Bay United players selected to represent England with:

Lewis Greenwood & Eddie Mount recently competing at the world senior championships in France.
Jocie Greenwood ( England Ladies)
Josh Branchett( England U20)
Jamie McVey& Rhys Young have been selected to play for the England Schoolboys team.

Great recognition for the Club and the players

The HBU Club Awards evening takes place on 18 July with will provide recognition to the season’s achievements as well as a social for the players, parents and coaches, after which we will all  take a well earned break.

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