Eight U14s from Maidenhead Hockey Club braved the journey up the M40 and M1 yesterday (2nd June) to take on the big guns, the likes of Surbiton and Repton, for a national indoor tournament held at Derby Arena. The team have been practicing their indoor skills, outdoor (yes, not a typo!) at Altwood throughout May.

Due to player shortages the team of eight took on the challenge of taking both of the spaces that MHC had booked. In the first round, the 3 hour journey was quickly shaken off, some amazing hockey was played and they won 2 and drew 2 putting MHC into the Plate competition.

In the plate competition we played 6, won 1, drew 2 and lost 3 putting our two teams and 3rd and 4th in the plate league. The plate league was won by UK Lions Hockey, an invitational touring side, and the overall championship was won by Knole Park. Given the girls played twice the games of anyone else and being the first time on an indoor court for the team, this really was an exceptional performance.

And where next? We look forward to the next Indoor Hockey UK championship at the Copper Box in London. We will shortly be looking for interest and aim to spread the word and get a few more teams out.

David Joshua, Director of Hockey said ‘The girls were amazing given that they have never played indoor hockey together before. We saw their skills develop throughout the tournament and the smiles got bigger and bigger. I am really proud of the team.’

Steve Hills, Head of Colts, said ‘We hope this is just the beginning of a fantastic extension to what we offer the young people of Maidenhead. If we can find a local venue we can offer this throughout the year and bring this amazing sport to the area’.

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