Summer Hockey Fest Competition
Posted by Peter Brainch on 9 September 2016
We entered two teams into this competition - Yardley Heathens - captained by Jeeven and Yardley Spartans - captained by Zach.
On a beautiful sunny day, a great atmosphere and a long day ahead - the Heathens were keen to get back into action after a long off-season. The Heathens enjoyed a wealth of experienced players with Anthony Truelove, Sarah Skidmore, Usamah Iqbal, Kamran and Jabran Mir, Noor Zaman, Trish Newman, Jeevan Chagger and two guest players - Emily and Lauren Homer from Barford Tigers and Stourport respectively.
The Heathens got off to a slow start, falling 2-0 behind to H.O.T. (Harbourne). Their second game ended with a similar score against Aldridge and Walsall - but with a much better performance. With the teams becoming more used to the rules, they faced the Spartans in a Yardley local derby. Spirited efforts from both sides saw the Spartans clinch a 4-2 victory.
After a comfortable break, the Heathens returned to action with a 4-2 win against Bournville and then seal a 3-3 draw with Kings Heath after help from a tournament umpire clinching the final goal in the dying seconds. The final game was one of much action, drama and goals galore. After the first ten minutes Heathens were 5-2 ahead against West Brom - and with goals continuing the final whistle saw the Heathens go away with a 7-5 victory which all but handed the tournament trophy to Harbourne on goal difference over West Brom.
The Heathens finished in 5th place, with the Spartans in 6th. A great day of hockey with losts of people turning out for an enjoyable day of hockey organised by England Hockey.
