U14 Boys Win 14-3

On Sunday 19th November Old Sils defeated Harborne in an U14 Boys EHL Development League match 14-3 (HT 5-0), in tremendous conditions at the Old Silhillians Hockey Centre. Facing a courageous Harborne team lacking a goalkeeper for the first half, the boys were instructed not to hit the ball too hard for fear of injuring defenceless opponents in the goal. This prompted some silky running from the team, running - as opposed to blasting - the ball into the goal. In the second half, with Harborne having a fully padded up goalkeeper, the boys were let off the leach, with nine magnificent strikes being rifled in. In response, Harborne scored 3, being denied - on several occasions - by some magnificent goalkeeping from Jonnie Carter.

All the players should be commended for the precise, professional and energetic way they went about their business; Jonnie Carter (brave and alert), Charlie Russell (impenetrable and aggressive), Daniel Newman (another outstanding exhibition - turning defence into attack!), Kheya Ballentine-Brain (excellent drive and stick skills), Ben Stockill (elusive, energetic; always a threat), Josh Atwal (hungry and determined), Maxim Edger (intelligent and prolific), Fergus Montgomery (great finishing and marvellous attitude; thanks for helping out at the last minute!) and Matthew Hulbert (busy and a nuisance to the opposition in the D).

Thanks to all the parents - the boys (not that they would admit it ) couldn't do it without you! Also thanks to Etienne (for umpiring and showing compassion to all players), Darren (for the Shirts, First Aid and coffee) and David Carter (for kitting Jonnie out).

Chris Edger