Cranleigh Prep School’s U13 boys’ hockey team travelled to Framlingham College, Suffolk, on Monday, aiming to defend the National U13 IAPS Hockey Title they had won so brilliantly for the first time last year. Facing a challenging pool, the team endured three close matches. They opened with a 0-0 draw against Dean Close, followed by a 1-0 victory over local rivals Edgeborough thanks to an early goal from Ollie. Gwilym added a first-half goal in the final pool match, securing another 1-0 win against Repton to claim top spot in the group and a place in the Cup competition.
The boys played outstanding hockey in the knockout stages, defeating Westbourne House 4-0 in the quarter-final and Brighton College 3-0 in the semi-final. Gwilym and Casper each scored twice, with Casper’s tally including a brilliant individual run, while Charlie delivered two memorable backhand goals. This set up a repeat of the 2025 final against the hosts, Framlingham College Prep, with the same dramatic 2-1 scoreline—though this time, the result went the other way.
Despite a late goal by Freddy and a frantic final 90 seconds, Cranleigh couldn’t find an equaliser to force penalties and had to settle for silver medals. The boys were a credit to themselves and the school, showing commendable resilience, teamwork, and, most importantly, sportsmanship at the final whistle as they congratulated the winners.
