AEHC Youth Teams shine on the National Stage

May 2016 was a busy month for AEHC’s youth teams and a testament to the depth and breadth of young talent within the club. The Ladies U18s were in Olympic Park action on Bank Holiday Monday where they faced Reading in the final of the England Hockey U18 Plate. Unfortunately, the final result was 2-1 to Reading but the girls did themselves proud playing some gutsy hockey and dominating the game for long periods. After a fast and furious opening 10 minutes, Edge took control heaped pressure on Reading winning 4 or 5 short corners and fashioning a couple of good chances. Unfortunately, these couldn't be converted and, very much against the run of play, Reading took the lead five minutes before half time. The second half started with Edge in control again, but then Lauren Woodhead was hit in the jaw by a wild Reading stick and was momentarily knocked out. Almost immediately afterwards Imogen Walker received a harsh green card and while Edge were adjusting to the loss of two first choice defenders, Reading took advantage and scored again. When back up to full strength, Edge stepped up the pressure and got their reward when Jess Clitheroe turned in a clever finish to bring the score back to 2-1. Despite Edge throwing everything at Reading for the final 15 minutes, including withdrawing goalkeeper Harriet Whittaker for another striker, the equaliser would not come and the score finished 2-1 to Reading. Special mention goes Issy Reynolds-Duffy who never stopped running and to Lauren Woodhead who came back on to carry on playing a great game despite being knocked unconscious! The U12 boys and U14 girls were also in National Finals action in May, taking on some the best teams in the country. The boys travelled to Beeston in Nottinghamshire and did themselves and the club proud by finishing 8th in what was the biggest and toughest competition they had ever faced . The girls, accompanied by a very enthusiastic and loyal group of parents and supporters, travelled down to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday for the National U14 Club Championship. Edge started well but were unlucky to lose their first pool game to Reading 0-1 after a lapse in concentration allowed the Berkshire side to score a late goal. They then bounced back and played to their potential to beat Isca 2-0 before going down 3-0 to eventual finalists Cambridge City. Unfortunately a catalogue of missed opportunities then saw the girls lose 0-1 to Stourport in their play-off match to finish eventual 6th. Nonetheless, this was a fantastic achievement for both the girls and the club playing at the highest level in the country.