Bucks U13 Boys take the South Boy’s County Championships by Storm
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Buckinghamshire’s Under 13 boys have seen unprecedented success in this year's South Boy’s County Championships. Since the championship began in 2002/3 Bucks boys have struggled against some really strong and skilful teams, but this year it was their turn to shine. With superb training and guidance from coach Duncan Parnis and manager Don Broughton the boys not only developed their hockey skills, but also their maturity, enthusiasm, team spirit and desire to win!
Early in January, the team began their journey against Berkshire at Bisham Abbey. The team played well together, working hard and implementing the new tactics they had learned. Tom Corkett put in a good strong captain’s performance, as did Finlay Potter, Andy Blood, Toby Ratcliffe and Liam Ansell who showed his skill both on the field and finishing, scoring 3 of Bucks’ 5 goals. Andy Blood and Ben Clarke scored a goal each for Bucks to win the game 5-0.
Buoyed up by their initial win, Bucks faced Hampshire and Sussex next, winning 3-1 and 6-3. Again some outstanding hockey was played, with strong passing and attacking down the wings. Man of the day, Andy Blood showed his strength and skill throughout the match along with Greg Broughton playing strongly in right midfield across both matches. The strength of the opposition meant the Bucks defence were tested more than before, but keeper Dan Ashton kept Bucks in the game with some superb saves. Scorers for Bucks were Liam Ansell (3), Andy Blood, Tom Corkett, Will Holderness, Finlay Potter, Jamie Bristow and Sam Burroughs.
A long distance outing saw Bucks facing Kent then Surrey. A fantastic day followed, with two outstanding victories against some very strong opposition. Working really well as a team, Bucks played some excellent hockey with accurate short sharp passing and plenty of shots on target. Bucks won the first game against Kent 6-3. Bucks’ next game against Surrey was very challenging for the players and nerve-wracking for the spectators. A superb end to end game saw Bucks take the lead however, much to everyone’s dismay Surrey managed to equalise just before half-time. Going into the second half, Bucks came out with a real fighting spirit and a determination to go home successful. Again, end to end play saw the spectators with their hands over their mouths, but a run from Lewis Child put the goal into the Surrey D for a short corner. Another superb corner by Bucks, taken by Finlay Potter, stopped by Tom Corkett and finished by Liam Ansell, saw his powerful hit speed through the Surrey defence like a warm knife through butter. Harry Kilbourn and Dan Ashton both had excellent games in defence, which helped Bucks retain their lead. Scorers for that day were Liam Ansell (3), Finlay Potter (2), Tom Corkett, Jamie Bristow and Lewis Child
With the title in sight, Bucks travelled to Middlesex for their final two games. With their nearest rival having already lost two games, Bucks only had to win one to clinch the title. Their first game against Oxon was easier than predicted and Bucks won the match comfortably 5-0. Having won the Championship, the boys entered into their final game with a determination to finish their run undefeated. However, Middlesex had other plans and the game turned out to be one of the most nail biting for all involved. Both teams started strongly and chances occurred for both sides. Bucks took the lead, but were not able to relax as Middlesex continued with powerful attacks. Middlesex equalised and then scored again to take the lead at 2-1. Bucks played strongly across the whole team, from defence, to midfield to the attackers with everyone giving their all to the game, and were rewarded with a goal to go into half time 2-2. Both teams came out fighting and Middlesex took the lead again to take the score to 3-2. To the credit of the Bucks boys, having to play two games back-to-back, they found the energy from somewhere to keep up the pressure and keep fighting and again were rewarded with a goal to equalise the game. Into the final 10 minutes of the game and the pressure and excitement almost became too much for the crowd! Another penalty corner saw the combination of Finlay Potter, Tom Corkett, Liam Ansell, Greg Broughton, Andy Blood, Lewis Child and Jamie Bristow work together to beat the Middlesex defence and take the lead. Thinking it was almost over, Bucks were hit for six when in the dying seconds of the game Middlesex were awarded a penalty corner of their own. With the full Middlesex side stepping up to the ‘D’ against only Dan Ashton in goal and defenders Toby Ratcliffe, Lewis Child, Dan Maunder and Will Holderness, Bucks faced a difficult situation. The corner was taken hard and on target, but the Bucks defence held firm and overcame the Middlesex onslaught to clear the ball off the line and become the undefeated South Boys County Champions. Scorers for that day were Liam Ansell (4), Jamie Bristow, Lewis Child, Finlay Potter, Will Holderness and Tom Corkett. A superb season, with Bucks also becoming the highest scoring team since the championship began!
The bucks team are, from Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School & Marlow Hockey Club: Tom Corkett - captain, Sam Burroughs, Finlay Potter, Toby Ratcliffe, Will Spratley (GK) and Alex Williams, from John Hampden Grammar School & Marlow HC: Liam Ansell and Matt French, from Royal Grammar School & High Wycombe HC: Dan Ashton (GK) and Dan Maunder, from Dr Challoner's Grammar School & Southgate HC, Andy Blood, from Dr Challoner’s Grammar School & Gerrards Cross HC, James Bristow and Harry Kilbourn, from Gillotts School & Marlow HC, Greg Broughton, from Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School & Aylesbury HC, Lewis Child, from Aylesbury Grammar School & Aylesbury HC, Ollie Paterson, from Aylesbury Grammar School & High Wycombe HC, Ben Clarke, from Chesham High & Tring HC, William Holderness, from Chesham high & Amersham HC, Kiran Patel and from Chalfonts Community College & High Wycombe HC Chris Tyrrell. The end of season awards saw Top Goal Scorer go to Liam Ansell, Manager’s Player go to Andy Blood and Player’s Player go to Dan Ashton.