The U10’s Sevenoaks girls started the day superbly with a convincing win in their first game against a well-organised East Grinstead squad. They continued their winning streak, scoring 10 goals in their first three games at the South East Regional competition. The girls competed in a very close and exciting game of hockey in the round robin stages against Guildford. The game ended in a draw, taking the girls into the final game of the round robin against Lewes and the Sevenoaks team knew they would be in the finals no matter the result. The Sevenoaks girls came out on top of the group with the highest goal difference of 11, having conceded no goals all day!
A play-off in the Sevenoaks v Guildford final was to decide the overall winner and it was end-to-end tense hockey. Sevenoaks dominated the game however they just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net due to the calm composure of the Guildford keeper and the fighting spirit of the oppositions defence. Guildford had some close break-away attacks challenging the Sevenoaks defence however they managed to keep Guildford at bay with a final result of 0-0.
Penalty strokes were to decide the final result. Sevenoaks were first up however unfortunately missed. Then it was Guildford’s turn to compete but the Oaks keeper made a cracking save. Chloe stepped up and confidently pushed the ball into the left hand corner. Guildford tried again, but the Oaks keeper was on fire with another superb save. Elodie took the final flick of the day and shot it competently into the left hand corner of goal.
Sevenoaks U10 Girls are crowned South East of England Champions!
Coach Orlagh said: “What an amazing group of talented young ladies, whose determination and passion throughout the tournament was outstanding. They played some very commendable hockey for 9 & 10 year old girls. I am so proud of how they fought and supported each other in every game both on and off the pitch. Each and every girl deserved their gold medal and becoming a South East of England Champion is an amazing achievement.”
Following on from their success at the Kent Cup, the Sevenoaks Boys under-10 squad headed to Charterhouse School on Sunday for the South East Regional Finals.
The tournament was a round robin against the six best teams in the South East. After a convincing win in the first match, the second game was much tighter, resulting in a draw against their fellow Kent team, Canterbury.
Sevenoaks were feeling the strain and could again only manage a draw against Guildford in their third match. However, their resilience paid off and, with some positive encouragement from the coaches, they won the fourth and fifth games to secure a place in the play-off.
Once again, they would be up against Canterbury for the gold medal. Sevenoaks played some fantastic hockey to end the final 1-0 and making them South East Regional Champions!
Coach Pierre said: “It’s been fantastic to see how the U10 boys have developed over the season. Their hard work and dedication has paid off with them winning the South East Regional championship against some very tough competition.”
Sevenoaks GU12 travelled to Guildford to play in the Regional finals after their success at the Kent Cup two weeks ago, where they were crowned Kent County Champions. The format for the day was a round robin tournament followed by a finals placing game.
The girls were amazing throughout the day against some tough opposition; stand-outs were beating Knole Park 1-0, Guildford 1-0, and East Grinstead 3-1. After the five games Sevenoaks sat at the top of the table three points clear but, unfortunately due to the format, had to play second-placed team Knole Park. Unfortunately the girls lost the game 1-0 to end Runners Up.
Coach Maddie said: “Words can’t describe how proud I am of them and I am so excited to see what their future holds on the hockey pitch!”
