t was a very proud Yateley Hockey Club U18 team of boys that arrived at Old Loughtonians Club in Essex last Saturday. The sun was shining, and for the first time, Yateley had a team in the England Hockey National Plate Finals.

Due to withdrawal from Bromley and Beckenham at the last minute, the final would now be played as a round robin event, with all 3 teams , Reading, Neston South Wirral and Yateley playing each other to see who would take the title.

Reading and Wirral got the matches underway, with Reading dominating and beating Neston 5-1. After a short break, Yateley took to the pitch to face their local rivals. Reading scored two goals I. Fairly quick succession, but just on half time, Ben Renshaw broke away to score, putting Yateley back in touch. Unfortunately, yateley where unable to maintain the tempo, suffering from a much smaller squad than Readings' 16 boys, and the game finished 7-1.

To the last game. Neston only need a draw to take the silver medal because of the goal difference, whereas yateley need to win. All started well, with a close match Yateley keepng Neston at bay for some time until they managed to put one past Dan Raynor in goal. Again, just on half time, Ben Renshaw broke through the defence to score the equaliser, things looking better for yateley at the half time whistle. A hard fought battle commenced in the second half commenced, but unfortunately, squad size again made the difference. With Sean Neat having a return of a ham string injury and unable to play, the yateley boys were now down to 12 very hot and tired players. Nestons large squad of 16 boys continued to rotate, and the fresh legs meant that game finished 3-1 to Neston.

Still it was a proud moment when the squad stood up to receive their bronze medals. It was a fitting end to their junior career , having played together for 8 years. The boys now look forward to an U18 Tour over Easter, before exams and university call.

Written by Lisa Joyce (Under 18 Manager)