Success in the England Hockey Schools Championships

Tonbridge School hosted the England Hockey Schools Championships Tier 2 Boys’ U14 Kent Cup, welcoming 12 teams from across the county for a full day of competitive hockey.

With many of the boys only beginning their hockey journey at the start of the Lent Term, the School entered two teams to maximise opportunities for competitive play.

The U14B side made an excellent start to the tournament, recording impressive victories against Dulwich Cranbrook, St Edmund’s and The Harvey Grammar School. A draw with Cranbrook and a narrow defeat to Sutton Valence meant they finished a very creditable third in a strong group of six.
The U14A team also produced a series of assured performances in the group stages, defeating Duke of York’s Royal Military School, Norton Knatchbull and Ashford School, with their only loss coming against Simon Langton Grammar School. Finishing second in their group, they faced Sutton Valence in the semi-final, where a tightly contested 0-0 draw was decided by shuffles. Tonbridge held their nerve to progress to the final and a rematch with Simon Langton.

Simon Langton proved too strong on this occasion, winning the final 3-0. However, the U14A side has now qualified for the South East Regional Final, where they will represent Kent alongside Simon Langton Grammar School.

Kieron Walsh, Master in Charge of Hockey, said, “Across the day, the boys were excellent representatives of the School, demonstrating strong sportsmanship. Their achievement is all the more impressive given that the majority of the squad are new to the sport, having only started hockey this term. It is a testament to both their effort and the support of the coaching team.”