U11A Boys Hockey v Stamford Junior School

On Wednesday afternoon the Boys U11A Hockey Team played Stamford Junior School A's away. We took a talented squad of players, just starting on their hockey journey, and found ourselves up against a skilful and more experienced Stamford team. 

In a tight first half Copthill defended well against numerous Stamford attacks, Will Kong in goal denying some fierce shots. Despite conceding two penalty corner goals, Copthill's confidence grew and we played excellent counter attacking hockey down each flank. The goal had to come, and it did, just before half time; a great passing move through the midfield, to the forwards, finished by Ben Brittain. 2-1 at half time. Stamford re-grouped in the second half. Copthill were always in the game but Stamford pressure paid off with skilled passing and strong finishing that beat our determined defence. Again, as the half wore on the Copthill spirit rose and we finished the game with 5 minutes of sublime hockey; fantastic goal keeping from Will, our defenders won back the ball, controlled passing into the midfield, Stamford were chasing shadows (why didn't we do this earlier..?!), quick inter-passing from Euan Johnson, we attacked at speed, Ben was their again to slot it home. What a brilliant way to end the match! 5-2 the scoreline, but it didn't reflect the effort and skills of the team in our first competitive match. We can't wait for our next match. 

Thanks to Euan for captaining the team; William Kong, Thomas Brown, Duncan Morrison, Micheal Grover, Euan Johnson, Kieran Dolby, Henry Crewe, Jonny Le Voi, Ben Brittan 

Mr Nick Teesdale