Spalding Hockey Club hosted the fourth of five primary schools hockey tournaments at Glen Park, Surfleet.
A full quota of 20 teams saw about 160 youngsters enjoy early spring sunshine in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Teams were divided into four graded leagues, advanced, intermediate and beginner A and B leagues.
In the advanced league there was a close battle between holders Tower Road A and three-time winners Monks House. The game between them ended in a 1-1 draw and each side won their other three games.
However, Monks House, with wins over Ayscoughfee A (4-1), Gosberton Academy A (3-0) and John Harrox A
(4-0) claimed overall victory on goal difference.
St John’s, who have made great progress through the season, were impressive in the intermediate league and took top spot in a competitive league.
They recorded 2-1 wins over the two Boston teams, Tower Road B and St Thomas’ A, and drew with Eye Primary (1-1) and Spalding Parish (2-2) to win the league.
Spalding Parish and Eye Primary finished in equal second place.
Gosberton Risegate took top honours in the beginner A league, winning all four games without conceding a goal. The well organised Risegate team recorded 1-0 wins over Tower Road C, St Thomas’ B and St Norbert’s A, going one better with a 2-0 win over John Harrox B. Tower Road C took second spot with three wins.
Locals Surfleet Primary shone out in the beginner B league. They were held to a 1-1 draw by St Norbert’s B in their opening game but went on to beat Pinchbeck East (3-0), Ayscoughfee B and Gosberton Academy B (both 2-0) to claim top spot.
St Norbert’s B showed a great deal of promise, beating Ayscoughfee B
(4-0) and Pinchbeck East (2-0) and drawing with Gosberton Academy B (0-0) and Surfleet Primary to finish second.
Thanks went to young umpires from Spalding Hockey Club.
The tournament finals are due to take place at the Glen Park home of Spalding Hockey Club on Friday, May 9.
