Leighton Buzzard U8s played in their first tournament of the season, at Luton, on Sunday 1st March.

For all the players it was their first experience of competition and tournament hockey.

Leighton’s squad of eight players: Partik, Elspeth, Evie, Henry, Henry, Leo, Harrison and Jacob were supported by a team of coaches Matt, David, Amy and Anika and parents cheering on the young team.

Playing against teams from Bedford, Olney and Luton – Leighton won three of their group games and so finished in the top two positions. This put them into the final. In a hard-fought game Leighton came good in the last few minutes and secured a 3-2 victory.

All the players were fantastic – goals were spread across the team but with both Henrys and Jacob scoring more than once. Partik and Elspeth were very strong, putting pressure on the opposing teams, they helped win the ball back for the team. Partik’s strong dribbling with the ball also created lots of chances for the team.

In the middle of the pitch Leo, Jacob and Evie also stayed strong both in forward and defensive play. But also key to the team’s overall success were the determined goal line clearances made by Harrison and Henry and this refusal to be beaten meant the team could out score their opponents.

Well done to the team and a big thank you Luton Hockey Club for hosting the tournament !