Crostyx Hockey Club

The first game was against Canterbury U16's who had qualified for the national U16 finals and were using this competition as a warm up. Despite being younger they had a number of England U16 players in their side so were going to be tough opposition. However Crostyx started the game brightly and went 1-0 up through Jake Burke. They then had to absorb quite a bit of pressure as Canterbury pressed for the equaliser and Ian Baldwin in goal was very busy. A well taken goal on the counter was cooly dispatched by Harry Hewitt-Chick after good work by Callum Palmer. Although Canterbury did manage to score one Goal Crostyx held on for a great 2-1 victory.

A slightly disappointing 2-1 loss against Havering setup a big game against local rivals Old Lought's, although they were missing a few players, were still a competent side. Crostyx attacked with gusto a cruised into a 2-0 lead and although OL's scored with the final short corner of the game another 2-1 victory was achieved.

Their next was against Old Loughts U16 side who like Canterbury were using this tournament to practice for the National final and whose side also contained a number of England U16 players. By this time, due to injury, Crostyx were down to 5 fit outfield players and were pretty much under constant pressure. Only excellent goal keeping by Ian and sound defensive play by John Howarth kept the score to 0-0. A break away and great run by Callum set Jake up to make it 1-0 against the run of play. However eventually OL's put away one of their many short corners to make it 1-1. Their was still time for Crostyx to gain one more short corner where a slip move and flick by Jake Burke went niches wide of the post.

Final game was a bit of an anti-climax with two very tired sides battling out a 0-0 draw.

This left Crostyx with two wins, two draws and one defeat to give them 8 points and second place and the silver medal.

All of the players gave 100% and with a full squad would have had a good chance of winning the tournament. They never gave up and at times played some great attacking hockey. Ian Baldwin was in outstanding form in goal and Callum Palmer held his own against some high quality players.

Squad:-


Ian Baldwin (GK)
Callum Palmer
Danny Robinson
John Howarth
Harry Hewitt-Chick
Jake Burke
Matt from R&I