Morning Games

The sun was shining and The Churchill School were ready for the tournament. They had been eagerly awaiting this moment. After 2 terms of hockey club training, they were more than excited to have a tournament to show off their hard work in a sport many had not played much of before. 

Game 1 – Win 6–0
We started the tournament on the front foot, applying early pressure and keeping the opposition pinned in their own half. Finley opened the scoring with a composed finish and quickly added a second with excellent movement and clinical finishing.

Hudson then took over, bursting forward from the right and scoring a rapid hat-trick, calmly slotting each chance away – an outstanding contribution from a so-called defender! Leo capped off a brilliant team performance with a goal of his own.

An incredible start that only built the excitement for what was shaping up to be a fantastic day.

Game 2 – Draw 1–1
We faced a much stronger side in our second match and had to dig deep after going 1–0 down early. Ronnie and Eliza were outstanding in defence, making countless tackles and working tirelessly to keep us in the game.

Mustafa did well driving the ball forward from the midfield, passing it forward and building confidence every time.

Leo brought us level with a well-taken goal, and the team showed great composure in the closing stages. The opposition struck the woodwork late on, but Ronnie reacted quickly to clear the danger and secure a well-earned point.

Game 3 – Win 6–0
We once again started strongly, with Ronnie scoring an early goal to settle any nerves – a proud moment, with family watching on.

The team’s passing was excellent throughout, particularly from Mason and Esmee, as we repeatedly broke down the opposition defence. Leo grabbed his second of the day with a great run into the D, while Finley continued his fine form, scoring and creating chances with his unselfish play.

Harry got his first goal of the day with a brilliant run down the right and a powerful finish – proving once and for all he is a goalscorer! Ronnie and Hudson both added to the tally to seal another dominant 6–0 victory.

Game 4 – Win 6–1
The goals kept coming as momentum built. Harry opened the scoring with another excellent run and finish, quickly followed by Ronnie to make it 2–0.

Mustafa and Mason were superb in defence, constantly breaking up play and denying the opposition any rhythm. Although we conceded on the counterattack, the response was immediate, with Ronnie and Esmee both scoring goals to restore control.

Finley once again scored twice, including an incredible finish from a tight angle that left everyone wondering how it found the net. Another emphatic win and belief was growing.

Game 5 – Loss 1–0
Knowing we were up against a very experienced side, we adjusted our formation to focus on defensive solidity and counterattacks. The team executed this plan to perfection.

Every player gave everything – defending with heart, closing down space, and battling for every 50/50. Despite conceding a goal in the dying embers, this was arguably one of our best performances of the day.

It was a match played at a very high level, with both the crowd and opposition coach recognising the quality on display. The result didn’t reflect the effort, and the team should be incredibly proud.

Afternoon Games (Elite League)

After a well-earned lunch break, we returned to the news that we had qualified for the Elite League. Spirits were high, but we knew the challenge ahead would be even tougher.

Game 1 – Win 2–0
A rematch of our earlier draw, and this time we were determined to come out on top. Finley continued his incredible form with an early goal to settle the team.

Hudson and Eliza were rock solid at the back, breaking up every attack and launching counters. Ronnie made a superb run into the D to score our second.

Mason controlled the midfield brilliantly, while Esmee worked tirelessly across the pitch. A complete team performance.

Game 2 – Loss 3–0
Another rematch, this time against the side that narrowly beat us earlier. We once again set up defensively and battled for every ball.

While the team gave everything, pushing forward late in search of a result left us exposed, and the opposition capitalised on the counterattack. Despite the scoreline, the effort and commitment remained outstanding.

Game 3 – Win 2–1
We responded brilliantly, applying pressure from the start. Ronnie earned us a penalty goal after a shot was stopped on the line.

Finley’s relentless pressing caused constant problems, and Harry once again found space on the right to score a crucial second goal.

The opposition pulled one back late on, setting up a tense finish, but the team held firm to secure an important win.

Game 4 – Win 2–0
High pressing once again paid off as we won the ball in dangerous areas throughout the game. Finley was instrumental, creating numerous chances with intelligent runs and passing.

Harry broke the deadlock at a crucial moment with a composed finish, and Finley soon added another after a determined run.

At the back, Mustafa and Eliza were excellent, securing another well-deserved clean sheet, supported by Hudson’s tireless work down the wing.

Game 5 – Win 2–0
With second place on the line, the team knew exactly what was needed. We started strongly, but the opposition threatened on the counter.

Mustafa and Esmee stood firm in defence, while Finley continued to create chances. The breakthrough came when Harry struck a fantastic driven shot from distance following a free hit – a moment of real quality under pressure.

Finley sealed the victory shortly after with another clinical finish, confirming a 2–0 win and securing second place.

Overall Summary

From the first whistle to the final game, the team showed incredible determination, teamwork, and growth. To perform at such a high level in a sport that they had only been playing for a short time is a huge achievement.

They supported each other, worked tirelessly, and never gave up – qualities that led them to a well-deserved 2nd place finish!

A fantastic day, a fantastic team, and a performance everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.