A record number of 17 teams and around 140 pupils contested this year’s series of Spalding primary schools’ hockey tournaments.
Some eight different primary schools took part in the finals event on Friday, which was the fifth tournament that has been held this school year.
The teams were split into four leagues based on experience, with the Premiership representing the highest level. The Championship and Alliance Leagues were for those young players with some hockey playing experience, while the Tulip League was for those attending the tournament for the first time.
In the Premiership, current holders – and indeed Lincolnshire Quickstix champions – Moulton John Harrox were favourites to retain their title, having won each of the previous tournaments.
They were pushed hard in their opening game by St John’s, but still secured a 3-0 win. They then beat St Norbert’s 5-0 to set up a final clash with Wyberton, who had beaten St Norbert’s 3-2 and St John’s 4-0.
Wyberton knew that they had to win by two clear goals to claim the title and attacked from the start. But Harrox had different ideas and led by skipper James Mayhew, they ran out 6-1 winners to win the league in style.
The five-team Championship also went to the wire with Pinchbeck East facing Boston St Mary’s in the last game to decide the honours.
East looked strong in their wins over Ayscoughfee (4-0) John Harrox B (4-0) and St Norbert’s (2-0), but still had to play well against Boston St Mary’s who had drawn with Ayscoughfee (1-1), beaten St Norbert’s (1-0) and edged out John Harrox B (2-1).
In the decider, Pinchbeck stuck to their game plan and claimed their prize with a 3-0 victory.
In the Alliance, meanwhile, Weston Hills overcame some strong resistance from an impressive Wyberton B team in the opening game before winning 2-1. Two more wins against Ayscoughfee B (3-0) and St Norbert’s (10-0) secured the title in style.
Pinchbeck East then demonstrated their strength in depth by taking the Tulip league by storm.
They grew in confidence with each game, beating Boston St Mary’s B (2-0), St Norbert’s (7-0) and John Harrox C (6-0).
Any local primary schools that would like to take part in future tournaments are asked to email Fred Morris at
[email protected] for more information.
