Mini Colts crowned West of England Hockey Champions

After a hugely exciting and nail-biting day, Sherborne Mini Colts were crowned champions of the West of England.  The day began brightly with a comfortable 4-1 group win against Exeter, including a brace from Charlie Collinge and a calm finish on the run from George Duignan.  However, the reminder of the day would prove to be nip and tuck the whole way.  Taunton took the lead in the second group game, despite a perfectly good “marshmallow” corner routine being ruled out by the umpire.  Although they held their lead for much of the game, it was an even contest, with Ollie Carr-Smith doing all he could to make something happen down the right hand channel.  Finally, they were thwarted in the dying seconds by a typical Jacob Schwandt close range finish.  He also opened the scoring in the next game, only for Bristol Grammar to answer it with three of their own.  The game was effectively over with 2½ minutes left on the clock but no one told Sherborne.  An attack straight down the centre gave Jacob the opportunity to neatly tuck the ball passed the keeper.  Then a corner was won as time expired and it was Jacob again who slotted the ball home to not only secure a draw but win the group.  This pitted us against Dean Close in the semi-final, who allowed Sherborne room to play.  The team capitalised on this by dominating the first 20 minutes, although only going one goal ahead.  Dean Close pressed for the equaliser but resolute defending secured the win, with Felix Northover making numerous saves, Max Dowling tackling anything that moved and Fergus Macdonald defending the final Dean Close corner to see out time. 

In comparison, the final seemed more straightforward.  Having secured progression to the next stage, the boys were more relaxed and energy seemed to return to their legs.  Dan Woodger had the left hand channel covered and Ben Farmbrough had the right, as Angus Bushby commanded play from sweeper.  They were cruising at 2-0 up with well worked goals finished by Will Wolseley Brinton and Tom Rotheroe.  However, Kingswood showed great spirit to level, as Sherborne maybe let the thought of victory creep into their heads.  There was an almost eerie calmness amongst the five flick takers and as Charlie Collinge, Ollie Carr-Smith and Tom Rotheroe all converted as if they did this every day, Sherborne found themselves 3-1 up.  It was all too much for Kingswood’s fourth flick tacker, whose attempt rolled tamely towards the goal for Felix Northover to stop with his glove. 

Man of the tournament could have gone to a host of players.  Angus Bushby made numerous telling tackles, released the ball into midfield effectively and ran with the ball well when given space.  Tom Ewart Smith provided an outlet down the right with excellent positioning and made many pinpoint accurate tackles.  Jacob Schwandt wadded in with six goals and must be wondering what more he could have done.  But the award goes to Arthur Green for his tenacity and willingness to run all day, making him a threat going forwards and a menace in defence.  However, this was a huge effort from the whole squad, who all played somewhere near their best all day.  I might be bias but I truly believe that the neutral would have recognised that the right team came out on top.

Jeremy Wadham