U14 Hockey - Semi-final victory!
Huge congrats to the U14s on their Ferris Cup semi-final victory today after beating RBAI 2-1. Goals came from Jack Crossan and Daniel Grimshaw.
U14s got off to a lacklustre start to the game and struggled to maintain any meaningful possession. It was RBAI that dominated the first half and they were first to score following a strong run by their winger. He burst through a number of tackles before squaring the ball to a team-mate to finish. The RBAI winger had another chance flash narrowly past the post and the U14s made it though to half time with the score only 1-0.
However following some stern words at half time the U14s were like a different team. They lifted the tempo of their hockey and increased their work rate and consequently saw the game turn in their favour. They had a number of quick fire chances and continued to pressurise the RBAI defence.
As time ticked on and the game entered the final 10 minutes, Jack Crossan broke through the RBAI defence and appeared to be clean through on goal only to be tripped by the last man a yard outside of the 23. The RBAI defender received a yellow card and it was whilst they were down to 10 men that they conceded. Jack Crossan was on hand to turn home a shot that was initially saved by the keeper.
Momentum was well and truly in the U14s favour and with only four minutes remaining Jack Crossan delivered a sublime cross that Daniel Grimshaw ruthlessly dispatched first time past the RBAI keeper who could only watch on.
Many idioms come to mind but the most apt in this instance is that it was well and truly a "game of two halves". What a finish to the game and the U14s showed real character to turn around what easily could've been a disappointing defeat.
Now for the final!!
By Andrew McKibbin
