U11 IAPS Midlands Hockey Qualifer

Published by Aysgarth School on Monday 26th of September 2022

The U11A hockey team were a real credit to the school and reached the cup semi final of the Midlands qualifier. The opening game saw us beat Altrincham Prep 1-0, followed by further wins in the group against Ryleys & Bluecoat Birmingham. We worked so hard to find the net against Fairfield Prep & Radcliffe but resulted in 0-0 draws. This meant that we finished 2nd overall in the group and missed out on top spot by 1 goal difference.

Aysgarth progressed into the cup competition and were drawn against Stamford in the quarter finals. We played out of our skins and won the game 2-0. In the semi final, we were drawn against Bluecoat Birmingham who were out for revenge after Aysgarth scored the winner against them in the last 5 seconds of the game in the group stages. Aysgarth boys gave their all but were absolutely knackered and Bluecoat deserved to progress to the final, losing to them 2-0. The boys kept their heads held high against Repton Prep in the 3rd/4th place play off and at the end of normal time the scores were level 1-1. We were now playing in extra time for the bronze medal and a moment of individual brilliance from the Repton forward sealed the game for the bronze medal.

Mr Lane & Mr Barlow are so proud of the U11A team for their efforts. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and went above and beyond their initial targets for this tournament (get a goal and win 1 match!). Finishing the day with a playing record of: P8 W4 D2 L2. To reach the semi final of the cup competition is a phenomenal achievement in itself - especially for a team of boys who only started training together as a team since the start of November is absolutely incredible.

We were playing against schools who have been playing hockey at lot longer than us. What is so amazing to see as their teacher is these boys have a desire to always do well on the pitch, whatever the sporting activity may be, they always give their all.

Alex Lane