PUBLISHED 15 March 2024
AKS are celebrating another fantastic achievement on the hockey scene after the U13 Hockey squad progressed to the National Hockey Finals for the second year in a row after a superb team performance which saw the squad crowned North West Champions.
The first match of the North Wets Finals saw us up against the traditionally strong Manchester High but we started well and played some superb passing hockey, constantly switching the point of attack and creating a number of chances but a determined Manchester side defended well and kept the scores level. Olivia W and Camilla W attacked at pace to put the Manchester defence under pressure and eventually this told and Olivia W found the net to secure a 1 – 0 win and our first points on the board.
Our second game against Sedbergh School was an excellent game with both teams playing superb passing hockey and creating chances but at the final whistle the teams could not be separated and had to settle for a draw and another point.
Game three against Merchant Taylor’s started well with a goal from Camilla W in the third minute and we gained in confidence and dominated play. Emily F controlled the centre of the park and with a second goal from Olivia W the win was secured and more points in the bag.
We went into our final pool game against Alderley Edge unbeaten and with a place in the semifinals in our sights. We again dominated possession and played some superb hockey. Olivia W opened the scoring and a second goal followed shortly when Camilla W found the net. Olivia W scored her second to seal the win but her hat trick goal was the best of the three after the ball started on the left, was switched round the back to Isla C on the right who drove to the base line and then played the perfect pass to Olivia who swept the ball into the net. With another win we progressed into the final where we faced local rivals Kirkham.
Kirkham started the faster and put us on the back foot with good passing hockey but great defending from Lauren M , Isla C and Victoria H along with some great saves from Jenay G kept us level. We were always a threat going forwards and created chances of our own through Olivia and Camilla but we could not find the net. Late in the game Kirkham pressed for the winner and won several attacking corners but again great corner defence and saves from Jenay kept the ball out of the net and at the final whistle the scores were level and the result would be decided by penalty strokes.
Always a nail biting situation Olivia W, Camilla W and Isla C stepped forward to take stokes. Kirkham went first and a great save from Jenay saw us gain the upper hand. Olivia saw her superb flick hit the GK but another excellent save from Jenay saw the momentum swing our way again. Isla C calmly slotted our second stroke in to the corner to take the lead and put the pressure on the Kirkham forward and Jenay became the heroine as she saved again to take us in to the final against Kings Macclesfield.
The final was another tight and close fought game. Kings had some skilful players who passed the ball well and created chances but again our pace going forwards constantly put King’s on the back foot. More great defending from all the team and saves from Jenay kept us in the game and then with two minutes to play and with strokes looming a superb move saw Camilla W drive down the left, pull the ball back and pass across the circle to Olivia who finished with a superb flick which flew past the keeper to make it 1-0 and we had one foot in the National Finals.
With only minutes to go Kings threw everything at us and some nervous defending had the many supporters with they hearts in their mouths but the final whistle blew and the team were celebrating being crowned North West Champions and a place in the National In2 Hockey Finals in Nottingham in May as one of the top U13 teams in the country! A fantastic achievement! Well done to all the squad!