Belper U10 and U12 Boys went to Burton’s tournament on Saturday and the U10 boys finished runners-up while the U12 boys won.
Belper U10 Boys
Belper U10’s went to Burton with hopes to continue their improving form over recent matches. Concern of the typical slow start from Belper was compounded with the schedule giving us a first fixture against local rivals Burton (A), who had the benefit of already having played a match.
Burton started strong, gaining the lead. This galvanised the team and they started to get in to the game slowly. Belper responded with some great counter-attacking play and equalised. In an end to end nail biting match Belper emerged victorious 3-2 winners!
This was followed by a win over Chesterfield and with confidence growing they beat Lichfield too.
Next followed a game against Burton B, which appeared a lot harder than their form would have predicted. In a close match Belper narrowly lost 1-0 (had the final whistle being 1 second later we would have drawn).
A rattled team had no time to dwell as it was a back to back match against Sutton Coldfield, In a hard fought game the team battled hard from 1-0 down to equalise with less than a minute remaining.
The final match was against Ashby, which a revived team cruised to victory.
In the end Played 6, won 4, drawn 1, Lost 1, and second place on the day (to Burton A). A great performance from the whole team, and played in a great spirit, with fantastic supporters too. Beating numerous teams all of which made it to the midland regional finals!
Special mention to Dan Magas (smiling despite a split lip) and Owen Ford for being stand-in keeper.
U10 Team: Dominic Bradder , Johnathan Dixon, Owen Ford, Alfie Fox, Dan Magas, Lysandser Schumter-Hobbs, George Stedman, William Souch, Leo Verdi
Belper U12 Boys
Belper U12’s boys were also entered in the Burton Tournament. Their team ranged from experience players to those that had taken up hockey at the beginning of the season. They started brightly beating Lichfield 4-0 and then Burton 6-0 with thoughts on the semi-final they drew their last pool game against Ashby 1-1. Belper finished top of their group.
Belper next met a very defensively solid Chesterfield in the semi but with two quick opening goals beat them 3-1.
The final was against Beeston. This was close match but Belper won 1-0 to win the tournament.
The boys played great passing hockey throughout the tournament, playing well as a team, with goals coming from many different positions on the pitch. Well done boys
Thanks to Dan, George and parents for their support during the day.
U12 Team: Alfie Broadbent, Leo Eyre, Luke Griffiths, Michael Griffiths, Joe Millington Sulley, Archie Protheroe, Ben Venskus, William Selby, Harvey Wilson
Well done boys!!
