There has been excitement in the air this week after our U16A hockey boys finished their season on a high, beating a strong Abingdon side to come out victors and winners of the Tier 2 National Schools Plate Final.
Following victories over the likes of Stowe, Stamford and Altrincham Grammar School, the U16 Hockey team competed in the National Final on Tuesday 23 April at the Olympic Park stadium.
Fifth Former Henry Whitfield described how he will never forget walking out on to the pitch with his team on the Olympic Astro, “I feel it had a different atmosphere to anywhere else I’ve played and it is something I will always remember.”
In front of an expectant crowd, Abingdon started the stronger and took a deserved lead at the 10-minute mark. However, a Jack Down equaliser was just reward after some excellent attacking play.
Bedford certainly had the better of the exchanges in the second half and took the lead with a strike by Captain Sammy Inman, with 15 minutes remaining. Some resolute defending and one outstanding diving save by Will Jackson, with 50 seconds left in the game, denied Abingdon from getting an equaliser that would have most likely sent the game to flicks. This was enough to secure the victory and the title.
Captain Sammy Inman explained, “I feel delighted that we came away with a winning result because we have a great team and we have had a memorable season. The thing I enjoy most about the hockey season is playing with a great bunch of lads and coming up against such strong competition. This year, and the years prior, I have enjoyed playing in this team with a plethora of talent on show; with some boys leaving us at the end of the year, I’m glad that we got to enjoy one last dance as a team at Lea Valley and came away with gold.”
Director of Sport Mr Barry Burgess said afterwards, “Huge well done to this group of boys, who have been outstanding all season. A special mention also to Mr Marriott (coach) for his time, enthusiasm and expertise in coaching the team.”
