The boys had a long away trip for the semi-final of the U18s Tier 2 Nationals, facing Timperley HC in a game for the neutrals, powering to a convincing 5-3 win to take them into the finals of the national cup.

Fuelled and ready, the boys started on the front foot helped by the return of skipper Jamie H. After some intense early pressure, the boys found the breakthrough with another Ollie corner beating the keeper with some serious pace low to the left. Just moments after, U16 captain, Carter, roasted the Timperley backline and scored Brombecks’s second of the game. Brombecks flew 3 ahead when Noah deflected a perfect ‘Boomer’ routine off Ollie’s corner. Despite conceding in the first half, the boys stepped on again, ending the first half 4-1 up, thanks to a well worked team goal finished off by Archie. It would prove to be a dominant first half display with patience at the back, precision in midfield, and a clinical display up top.

The second half opened, and Timperley had clearly set out to play the northern hockey that we love. They brought the physicality, the direct counter attack, and then unfortunately, the goals. A powerful drag-flick from their captain brought them back into contention until a beautifully finished goal from Theo (despite the deflection into the top corner by their defender) gave Brombecks some breathing room. The umpires then decided that they wanted to see a more interesting game, and after a harsh decision, Timperley scored again; a hattrick for their captain off the corners to make it 5-3. Squeaky bum time for the boys in the last 10 minutes, but they held on to make their way into the final to play Olton & West Warwickshire on the 14th of April at the National Finals in Nottingham.

Massive thanks to all the parents who travelled and supported the 18s over the long weekend. The support cannot go understated. Also thanks to Ben for coaching the boys into the final despite being the most nervous person on the pitch at 3-1. Time to rest and recover for the boys before they go again at the end of the Easter Holidays, to hopefully win the second junior trophy in 2 years for the club.