U10s Regional Finals:

Another great day for the club on Sunday as the U10 boys + Ellie battled it out at the regional finals at Nottingham Hockey Centre.

The team was drawn against Leicester Westleigh, Repton and Bromsgrove in the group stage and knew they were in for a tough test.

Game 1 saw Telford dominate against Leicester Westleigh but were unable to capitalise on their dominance until late on. Ollie Morris scored after a mazey run and lovely backhanded shot which went under the busy Leicester keeper.

Repton were up next and the nerves were kicking in. Repton started well but Oakley and Ellie were solid at the back and made sure Curtis in goal had little to do! Telford found their feet and played some of the best hockey of the tournament. Ollie found Logan in the ‘D’ whose first time shot crashed into the backboard. Logan was at it again getting his second of the game with a strike from the top of the ‘D’. His celebration was Steve Bull-esque with the aeroplane in full flow. Telford weren’t satisfied with 2 and killed the game off with a 3rd in the dying minutes. Logan bagged a hat-trick to top off a perfect performance.

Bromsgrove were no match for Telford who were now in full flow and cruised to a 2-0 win to ensure that they topped the group!

West Bridgford were next in the quarter finals, a victory would guarantee a place in the top 4.

Telford were at it from the first whistle with Ollie flying down the right-hand side, he found Logan on the penalty spot to fire home. 1-0. Provider turned goal scorer for the 2nd  goal as Ollie found the bottom corner with a straight strike from a short corner. Luca and Danvir who worked their socks off all day got in on the act for the 3rd and 4th. Luca’s first-time strike found the bottom corner, and Danvir finished off a brilliant team goal as Brodie and Luca’s passing was too slick for the Bridgford defence.

Beeston were next in the semi and what a game it was. A tense affair with some crunching tackles coming in from both sides. Logan missed an early chance after intercepting the ball but his partner in crime Ollie made amends and put Telford 1-0 up. Beeston equalised minutes later but Telford were not phased and continued to play their hockey. A few big hits and injuries meant the game soon came to a close and we headed to penalty strokes.

Ollie, Logan and Luca stepped up for Telford and Curtis was ready in the sticks! Ollie took the first but was adjudged to have ‘double touched’ the ball. No matter. Curtis was on hand to keep Beeston’s first one out. Low and hard was the message from the coach. Luca had other ideas and flicked the ball into the left hand side of the goal, a little nod to Goughy was a quality celebration. Curtis again the hero of the day saved the second with an outstretched left foot. Logan was next. A goal meant a place in the final. Was there ever any doubt? Logan sent the keeper the wrong way and Telford were through. Ice in the veins!

Old Sils awaited in the final who had been very impressive all day. A step too far for Telford who had started to tire and some crunching tackles followed.

Telford finished as runners up and left Nottingham as the 2nd best team in the Midlands. An unbelievable result for a brilliant group of players who have worked tremendously hard all season and deserve great credit for the way that they represented the club. Thank you to all the parents who came to support, Jodie for being manager, and Gwynne for umpiring.

Telford and Wrekin U10’s Regional Finals Team:

Brodie Goodwin, Ollie Morris, Logan Hennessy, Luca Johnson, Curtis Middleton, Danvir Lally, Ellie Lane, Oakley Burradge-Jones

Well done everyone, you should be very proud of your performances!