On Sunday U14s travelled to local rivals Bowdon in the second round of the Tier 1 National Cup. The previous night's visitors was a team full of internationals so covuld our elite boys demonstrate their potential and revenge a 9-5 loss in the league. The grey drizzle shrouding the pitch added to the tension and anticipation in the air. After early sparring with breaks for both sides Bowdon were awarded a short corner and first chance for their short corner specialist JC. A drag flick comfortably saved by Louis. A Bowdon foot? Not given. A scramble. A goal! How would the white shirts respond? Very quickly with a goal of beauty that would have been befitting of the night before. The ball starting at left back with James H was switched across and up the pitch with a plethora of quick passes carving precise triangles around the befuddled opposition before been put into the net by Haroun; Wow! Bowdon were playing with a high forward and catching the Brooklands defence. Having missed a virtually open goal they then hit the post and any debate whether the rolling ball had crossed the line was ended (well not really) by the perfectly positioned umpire on the 23. 2-1 Bowdon and that is how it remained at half time. The second half saw Brooklands push for another equaliser. A short corner won and a slick routine saw Harry B drag it low and past the player on the near post. Bowdon then pushed again. Not once but twice did Archie stop the ball on the goal line to frustrate those starting to cheer. A ball put Haroun clear through from the halfway and as the crowd held their breathe a good save kept the scores level. Then a repeat scenario at the other end with a fine save from Louis. Then from a short corner when Brooklands looked to have repelled the danger a goal for Bowdon. Undeterred the white shirts went again with James F terriering in midfield alongside the calmness of Ethan. As the whites set seige to the Bowdon goal the Brooklands goalkeeper was removed. But a breakaway resulted in a short corner that was dragged above the flailing sticks. Final score 4-2 defeat. After the players had dissipated onto the evening gloom upon hearing the match summary Harry C's brother declared, "sounds like if I had umpired you would have won!" Upon fine margins elite sport is decided but in a game of high drama the winner was hockey. Well played boys we are proud that you produced such a high class performance.