Once again the KHC intrepid reporter had an early start to ensure he was up and ready with his paper & pen to record how the KHC U12 boys managed this season at the tournament held last Sunday at Kirkby Stephen HC.

"After last year’s success, Keswick U12 boys were on the hunt to qualify for the North West Regionals for the second year running.

On a chilly spring afternoon down at Kirkby Stephen HC, first game up were close neighbours and friends Wigton HC.
Keswick were caught flat footed and found themselves behind after conceding a neat bottom corner finish after just 30 seconds.
This gave the boys the wake up call they needed as they were soon 3-1 ahead after some slick passing and quality finishing from Danny and Leo x2.
A well worked goal from Wigton, immediately before the half time whistle, set things up nicely for a tasty second half.
Wigton were out the traps fast, looking for that much needed equaliser. However, Keswick’s defence of Kane, Seb, Hayden and Harry stood firm and kept the skilful opposition at arms length. This partnered with Danny and Quinn’s clever interceptions along with Leo and Zac’s constant running in midfield meant Keswick saw the match through and came out as 3-2 winners!

After a quick drink and turnaround, the team in yellow were straight back in to battle against Kirkby Stephen.
Much improved from last year, the hosts started strongly and they did not relent. With an abundance of talent in all areas of the pitch, Keswick were soon 2-0 down and backs were against the wall for the majority of the match.
If it weren’t for some brave goalkeeping from Kane and a goal line clearance each from Leo and Quinn, this could have easily been a cricket score!
Two quick fire goals towards the end gave the better team a well deserved 4-0 win to Kirkby Stephen.

After a decent rest and dusting themselves down and unfortunately for Keswick, Wigton came out and beat the tiring Kirkby Stephen team, to determine which two teams qualified for the NW finals.

With all three teams on 3 points, Keswick’s heavy loss in their second game saw them loose out on this occasion & so they did not qualify this year with both Wigton & Kirkby Stephen qualifying on goal difference.

So it was not to be this year, but positives can be taken away from a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of hockey. The boys conducted themselves and represented the club extremely well from start to finish. I know this as an opposition coach passed comment. ?

Huge well done to Kane, Quinn, Zac, Leo, Harry, Danny, Seb and Hayden.

Thank you to all the grown ups that brought them down to play and for all the encouragement on the sidelines.

Best of luck to Kirkby Stephen and Wigton in the regional finals at Sedbergh on 27th April."