A Hockey round-up
A landmark week in Hockey
Tonbridge Hockey experienced a successful period, with results at both the U14 and U16 level reflecting the development of the programme.
The week began with a training session for the boys led by Bianca Wood, a South African international hockey player, who delivered an elimination skills masterclass. The session gave players the opportunity to develop their 1v1 attacking skills and creativity in possession, and she noted the boys’ enthusiasm, attitude, and technical ability. This session formed part of the preparation ahead of a weekend of competition.
That preparation was reflected in the Novi side’s performance at the England Hockey Boys’ U14 Schools Vase Finals in Nottingham, where they were crowned national champions. The team won all of their group matches to reach the final. In the final, they recovered from a two-goal deficit and secured victory on penalty shuffles.
This result was followed by the U16 side, who secured a place in the England Hockey Tier 1 Plate National Final with a 3-2 win over Millfield in the semi-final. In a closely contested match, the team showed composure, resilience, and tactical discipline.
The U16s were set to face King Edward’s School, Birmingham in the national final on Friday 24 April at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre.
These results marked an important point for the hockey programme and reflected the commitment of the players and the support of the coaching staff.
Tonbridge U15s reach Final of Kent Hockey Cup
The Tonbridge Under 15 hockey team reached the final of the Peter Firminger Bracket of the U15 Kent Hockey Cup at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, finishing as runners-up.
Tonbridge won all three group matches without conceding, beating Ashford School (3-0), The Skinners’ School (2-0) and The King’s School, Canterbury (2-0) to progress to the knockout stages.
A 1-1 draw with Eltham College in the quarter-final was decided by shuffles, with Tonbridge winning 1-0. They then beat Sutton Valence School 3-1 in the semi-final to reach the final.
In the final against Simon Langton Grammar School, Tonbridge took the lead before conceding late. The match went to shuffles, where Tonbridge were defeated 1-0.
Reaching the final against strong opposition was a significant achievement and reflected both the quality of the group and the progress they made as the tournament unfolded. The team then looked ahead with confidence to the remainder of the season.
Seniors Mark Season’s End in Style
The senior hockey programme brought the season to a close with the annual Leavers vs Remainers fixture – an occasion that celebrated the journey of the Upper Sixth and the strength of the wider squad.
While the leavers edged the contest on the scoreboard, the spirit of the occasion was the focus. Played in good humour and sportsmanship throughout, the match was a vibrant spectacle, with the Remainers taking to the pitch in House shirts, a fitting touch as the fixture coincided with International Day.
The afternoon provided an opportunity to reflect on a season of commitment, development and camaraderie, while also recognising the contribution of the departing players to Tonbridge hockey.
Attention then turned to the final senior fixture of the season, as the 1st XI faced the Old Tonbridgians on Skinner’s Day – a traditional occasion that served as the finale.
