Over the May bank holiday weekend Beeston HC entered three junior teams into the Indoor Hockey UK Derby Grand Slam Tournament based at Derby Arena. The venue was amazing, with three indoor pitches set up below the velodrome above. This was a great opportunity allowing players to develop different skill sets and tactical knowledge, both unique to indoor, and transferable to the outdoor game.
For the U12 Boys and Girls this was their first every taste of indoor hockey with England Hockey indoor competitions not beginning until the U16 age-group. Firstly, they enjoyed an opening ceremony included a walk out of all the 16 competing teams from the boys and girls competitions.
The boys played 3 pool games, losing 4-0 to National champions Cambridge City and beating Leicester 2-0 and Stone 2-1. From these results, the boys qualified for Division 1 where they played Cambridge City, Repton and Surbiton, losing 3-1, 3-2, and 2-1. U12 Boys manager Faye Wood stated, ‘as this was the first time the boys had played any indoor hockey and were competing against teams who played in a junior indoor league the coaches were very pleased with the performances, finishing 4th overall. The boys are all looking forward to playing more indoor in the future’.
For the U12 Boys and Girls this was their first every taste of indoor hockey with England Hockey indoor competitions not beginning until the U16 age-group. Firstly, they enjoyed an opening ceremony included a walk out of all the 16 competing teams from the boys and girls competitions.
The boys played 3 pool games, losing 4-0 to National champions Cambridge City and beating Leicester 2-0 and Stone 2-1. From these results, the boys qualified for Division 1 where they played Cambridge City, Repton and Surbiton, losing 3-1, 3-2, and 2-1. U12 Boys manager Faye Wood stated, ‘as this was the first time the boys had played any indoor hockey and were competing against teams who played in a junior indoor league the coaches were very pleased with the performances, finishing 4th overall. The boys are all looking forward to playing more indoor in the future’.
The U12 girls should be also be very proud of themselves coming joint 5th. Manager David Monkhouse praised the girls explaining that ‘having never played indoor they all adapted well whilst playing strong squads from around UK. They all learned a great deal and really enjoyed a well organised tournament. Particular praise goes to our GK, Lottie, who kept us in many games and saved some great shuffles.’
For the U16 Girls this was an opportunity for them use the tournament as preparation for their upcoming EH Indoor Tournaments later in the year, with this in mind they entered a predominantly U15 squad. The girls played some fantastic hockey throughout the day, learning both individually and collectively as the day progressed. The girls played Brentwood, Wakefield, Belper and Epsom winning all games with scores of 2-1, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-0 respectively. This meant going into the playoffs they were group winners. With other results going their way a win of 3-1 against Brentwood meant they secured the championship with a game to spare. A fantastic effort all round, with some brilliant individual performances and looking very promising for the squad moving towards the EH competitions next season.
For the U16 Girls this was an opportunity for them use the tournament as preparation for their upcoming EH Indoor Tournaments later in the year, with this in mind they entered a predominantly U15 squad. The girls played some fantastic hockey throughout the day, learning both individually and collectively as the day progressed. The girls played Brentwood, Wakefield, Belper and Epsom winning all games with scores of 2-1, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-0 respectively. This meant going into the playoffs they were group winners. With other results going their way a win of 3-1 against Brentwood meant they secured the championship with a game to spare. A fantastic effort all round, with some brilliant individual performances and looking very promising for the squad moving towards the EH competitions next season.
