The Courier

Crescent took the short and convenient trip to Rugby School for the IAPS Hockey Competition, this year with a young side.  Preparations had been mixed so it was interesting to see how they would fare.  Having reached the national finals last year other schools were likely to identify them as a team to beat.  They would have to rely on character, skill and tactical acuity.

First up was Altricham Prep who often do well in the tournament.  A 0-0 draw was a fair result as both goalkeepers pulled off good saves and Matthew Browne cleared one off the line. Against St. Olaves, they played in a much more flowing way. Fin Calder found space up front and scored two goals on the breakaway to give Crescent their first win. Then, against Fairfield, they dominated the game. Browne’s trademark power strike opened the scoring, a clever, quick free hit from Oliver Bell allowed Calder to score another and some lovely skills from Calder again saw him take his tally to four for the campaign. Crescent topped the group which sent them through to the quarter-finals against St. Andrew’s.

St. Andrew’s proved to be a tough test and Crescent had to defend stoutly. Dylan Hopkins and Marco Rodriguez Hernandez, who had defended really well over the competition, had to be on their guard. Oliver Bell was key in helping them out. It finished 0-0 so it went to dreaded penalty shuffles. Successful shuffles were a key part of Crescent’s progression last year and they retained Chris Gibson as the heroic goalkeeper of the previous campaign. However, both keepers seemed unbeatable as shuffle after shuffle was shut out. Then…St Andrew’s scored. Matthew Browne, who had failed with his previous three, had to score…and he did. Back to all level again. Oliver Bell almost won it with an audacious chip. Fin Calder, the most experienced shuffle taker, then scored to send the boys into raptures.

The semi-final was against Foremarke Hall who had been in excellent form. They outplayed Crescent, who seemed mentally exhausted after the penalty shuffle excursions, and won 3-0. It was Altricham Prep in the 3rd/4th playoff and Altricham took an early lead. Crescent hit back strongly and looked as though they might level it up. Matthew Thomas and George Bell, who had grown over the tournament, looked dangerous with their skills. However, Altricham held on to take third place.

Having come fourth, Crescent qualify for the national finals for the second year in a row. An amazing achievement for such a small school. There were lots of highlights but it was great to hear Matthew Thomas having the confidence to shout instructions from the sideline when he was substitute, reminding the team of the tactics.

Well done boys.