Boys U11 ISA National Hockey Success - Thursday 7th February 2019
Copthill took an U11 hockey squad to the National ISA finals at Lee Valley on Thursday 7th February.
It was a very early start for the boys arriving at school for 6:30am! However this early rise didn't dampen the boys enthusiasm as they boarded the minibus with excitement whilst others met us in London.
As the boys started their warm-ups led by Mr Howitt and Mr Teesdale I thought I would do a Jurgen Klopp and watch the other schools and as I stood in the centre of the pitch watching a school in black & green stripes rehearsing their short corners which were going in the top corner of the goal using the open side and the reverse, I said to myself 'I hope they're not in our group because they look like they could win this!'
As we prepared for our first game and the team talk was given about being alert early on and concentrating at all times, up stepped our opponents and yes, it was that school in the black & green stripes - Langley Prep! We lost 2-0 but did not disgrace ourselves.
After a further 2 matches which we won and therefore progressed through to the main Cup Competition for the afternoon. We knew this was going to be very tough as the top 2 teams from the 4 groups were all playing in this competition. We won out first match convincingly 2-0, then lost in the last couple of minutes 1-0 and then drew 0-0. We awaited the outcome of the final few matches which would determine whether we had made it through to the 3rd/4th playoff, which we had and faced Alleyn Court who the boys knew very well from ISA football competitions.
Copthill were completely dominant during the 10 minutes of the match but could not find the killer blow to break through the defence and score past the goalkeeper. Therefore as the score finished 0-0 penalty shuffles loomed.....
This is not a nice way for either team to win or lose, however in sport there are always ups and downs and fortunately for Copthill they came through triumphant winning the penalty shuffles 2-1. I have to say that these were intense moments and even Mr Teesdale was living on the edge as I barked instructions for him to give to our goalkeeper!
There was no player of the matches or of the tournament as ALL the boys did tremendously well and some not getting much playing time as the matches were so tight, made me extremely proud of conducting themselves in a great squad and team spirit throughout the day!
Very very well done to you all boys.
It was a very early start for the boys arriving at school for 6:30am! However this early rise didn't dampen the boys enthusiasm as they boarded the minibus with excitement whilst others met us in London.
As the boys started their warm-ups led by Mr Howitt and Mr Teesdale I thought I would do a Jurgen Klopp and watch the other schools and as I stood in the centre of the pitch watching a school in black & green stripes rehearsing their short corners which were going in the top corner of the goal using the open side and the reverse, I said to myself 'I hope they're not in our group because they look like they could win this!'
As we prepared for our first game and the team talk was given about being alert early on and concentrating at all times, up stepped our opponents and yes, it was that school in the black & green stripes - Langley Prep! We lost 2-0 but did not disgrace ourselves.
After a further 2 matches which we won and therefore progressed through to the main Cup Competition for the afternoon. We knew this was going to be very tough as the top 2 teams from the 4 groups were all playing in this competition. We won out first match convincingly 2-0, then lost in the last couple of minutes 1-0 and then drew 0-0. We awaited the outcome of the final few matches which would determine whether we had made it through to the 3rd/4th playoff, which we had and faced Alleyn Court who the boys knew very well from ISA football competitions.
Copthill were completely dominant during the 10 minutes of the match but could not find the killer blow to break through the defence and score past the goalkeeper. Therefore as the score finished 0-0 penalty shuffles loomed.....
This is not a nice way for either team to win or lose, however in sport there are always ups and downs and fortunately for Copthill they came through triumphant winning the penalty shuffles 2-1. I have to say that these were intense moments and even Mr Teesdale was living on the edge as I barked instructions for him to give to our goalkeeper!
There was no player of the matches or of the tournament as ALL the boys did tremendously well and some not getting much playing time as the matches were so tight, made me extremely proud of conducting themselves in a great squad and team spirit throughout the day!
Very very well done to you all boys.
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