Over half term three Cranleighans, Sammy D., Matt H. and Louis P. played in a three-match series against Ulster at Bisham Abbey, home of England Hockey.
UNDER 16 BOYS
Match 1: England 2 – Ulster 1
Match 2: England 4 – Ulster 2
Match 3: England 2 – Ulster 3
Matt and Louis were playing in the first game with Louis selected as Captain for the match. England started with a close victory – Louis scoring a drag flick at a short corner to score a late winning goal in a 2-1 victory. Ulster used the aerial ball many times across all three matches but solid defending and some fast counter attacks proved valuable for England, as they were able to score through field goals and penalty corners. A 4-2 win in the second game sealed the series win amongst the fog that descended on Bisham. Ulster came back in the third game to record a 3-2 win and avoid a whitewash.
UNDER 18 BOYS
Match 1: England 3 – Ireland 3
Match 2: England 2 – Ireland 1
Match 3: England 4 – Ireland 2
In the first game both teams enjoyed good spells of possession with a strong third quarter seeing England take a 3-2 lead into the final quarter. England were unable to see out the game and a late Ireland equaliser resulted in a 3-3 draw.
England had a dominant first half in the second game but Ireland equalised just before half time to leave all to play for in the second half. England’s industry edged it and Sammy scored the winner at the death to gain a 2-1 victory. Ireland had the better of the first half in game three and largely dominated the opening exchanges, but at 1-1 England scored a couple of quick goals against the run of play to take a half-time lead. Ireland got another but England defended a number of penalty corners and added another goal of their own to see out a 4-2 win and clinch the series.
