Repton HC entered an U14 girls and boys team in to the IndoorHockey.co.uk competition in the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Park in London on 29th December 2018 and both teams won the competition with nail biting finals!

The U14 Girls and Boys are sponsored by SCC and Frederick Cooper respectively and we are very grateful for their support.

Both teams played in a league format with the girls in a group of four progressing to a quarter final, semi and final whilst the boys had a larger group of five but progressed straight to a semi then final. All games were 10 minutes one way and played in a impressive setting. It was a fabulous opportunity for these groups to experience indoor tournament hockey and it will have created great memories as well as standing them all in good stead as preparation for future competitions.

Despite some positive results early in the day, the Girls did not have the group all their own way but managed to come out on top of the pool with scores of 6-0 vs Saffron Waldon, 1-1 vs UK Lions and 3-0 vs Braintree. Competitive play off rounds were negotiated with RHC winning the quarter final vs Marlow 2-0 and the semi final vs Guildford 2-0 to set up a Final against Surrey based, Surbiton, who have such strength and depth that they had two sides in the competition. The final did not disappoint with the two best teams competing and the 0-0 full-time scoreline not a reflection of the excitement of the match. The competition was then determined by penalty shuffles and there was plenty more drama! Repton goalkeeper Martha made a great save in the shoot-out but, as adjudged to have fouled in making her save, saw a penalty flick awarded. Martha, who had postponed a family trip to play, duly saved the flick to be the player of the moment and allowed Otillie Sykes to score her penalty shuffle to confirm the win.

The U14 boys did not have luxury of a quarter final and had to win the group to qualify for the semi-final. Repton won their group with wins over Maldon 4-0, Braintree 4-0, Old Southendians 8-0 and most importantly a well contested 1-0 victory vs Surbiton. This set up a semi vs Old Loughtonians who are a club with a strong indoor junior track record.  This was a dramatic game and 10 minutes of pure gold entertainment. Repton went 2-0 down to some good goals and the first they had conceded during the day.  Initially Repton relied on individual skill which was easily thwarted by a well drilled team. Reverting to plan A and passing the ball swiftly and precisely they scored two of the best indoor goals of the day before, with the match finely balanced, Harry Stone drove from left back, found space in the middle to neatly slip the ball past the keeper with a minute to play. The match finished 3-2 and Repton progressed to the final vs Canterbury.  Canterbury were very well drilled, as you would expect from a  club with such a good reputation, and they had won the U14s competition the previous two years.  This year however Repton ran out 1-0 winners. The day was capped off by Fletch being awarded the U14 boys player of the tournament by the umpires.

A special thanks to Jonesy and Mimi for coaching on the day and to managers Ginny and Sam for their efforts, both before and during the tournament.