RUGBY and East Warwickshire Hockey Club’s under-12 boys finished as county runners-up following defeat in the final against Solihull.
After progressing to the final, Rugby have now qualified for the Midlands Championships – an event the same team won two years ago when an under-10’s side.
Rugby began the County Championships with a 4-0 win against Sutton Coldfield 2nds as Dylan, Finn and a brace from Jos sealed a comfortable victory.
However, despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Rugby were held to a goalless draw with Old Silhillians in their second match, as goalkeeper Lewis and defenders Charlie, Sam and Isaac recorded another clean sheet.
And Lewis then made a stunning one-handed save to keep the scores level in a crunch game against unbeaten Hampton.
That save proved the catalyst for Rugby as Finn turned home Miles’ cross, with every player involved in the build up to the goal, to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Rugby faced bottom of the group Atherstone next as Miles converted David’s cross before Alex added a late second goal in another impressive victory.
Knowing a win would guarantee top spot in the group, Rugby made sure of their progress to the semi-finals as Finn finished off Sam’s glorious pass and Jos scored a fine solo goal which began from inside his own half in a 2-0 win against Sutton Coldfield.
After a near-prefect showing in the group stages, with four wins and a draw from five matches and no goals conceded, Rugby took on Edgbaston for a place in the final.
And Rugby produced arguably their best performance of the tournament to claim a 3-0 win as Alex and two goals from Daniel sealed Rugby’s place in the showpiece.
Rugby faced Solihull in the final with both teams unbeaten and yet to concede a goal with the latter side out for revenge after Rugby won 1-0 against the same opponents in the Midlands Regional final two years ago.
Unfortunately for Rugby, Solihull avenged that defeat with two goals in the opening five minutes before sealing a 3-0 victory with a goal on the counter attack.
Despite defeat in the final, Rugby put in a strong performance in a closely-contested match and achieved their goal of qualifying for the Midlands Championships
The boys would like to thank their parents, organisers and coaches, Matt and Chris, for their support and hard work with the team.
