Perse U13 Boys’ Hockey headed for national finals

The Perse U13 Boys' Hockey Team

The Perse U13 Team represented Cambridgeshire as County Champions at the East Region In2 Hockey Tournament, managing to win the title of East Champions by the end of the day. The team were well prepared for the high intensity 7-a-side hockey, having to go through a total of six pool matches at the Bedford Hockey Centre. The team, led by Captain William Routledge, dominated each game, scoring a total of 21 goals and conceding none in the group stage. Victories were secured against Old Buckenham Hall School, Stamford School, Hitchin Boys’ School, Town Close School, Garrington Academy and Bancroft’s School.

Moving on to the semi-final, the Perse team faced Gresham’s School, one of the only teams that had defeated them in the school season at the beginning of March. Mr Wilbur, the coach, had learnt from the defeat and ensured the players were briefed to overcome the opposition’s strengths, which were a prolific penalty corner routine and skilful centre forward. A hard fought 16 minutes of action followed, with Corbin Abbasi, Adam Albright and Ollie Rogers tirelessly attending to their defensive duties. With only 30 seconds remaining, Oliver Traherne adeptly crafted some space in the D and released a powerful forehand shot off his back foot to give the team a well-deserved one nil victory.

This semi-final win secured the place at the National Finals which will be held in June, but, despite much fatigue, the boys were determined to win the East Championship outright against an Ipswich team they had narrowly defeated earlier in the season. Charlie Underwood, whose pace and clinical finishing had cut through defences in the group matches, rose to the challenge and immediately struck down the right flank, as he utilised his speed to set up chances for the team. Goals from Charlie Clifton and Oliver Traherne followed, resulting in the delighted but exhausted team to be awarded the title of East Champions.