Churcher’s College U15 Boys hockey team national champions!

On Tuesday 19th March the Churcher’s College U15 Boys hockey team became national hockey champions after beating Whitgift at the Independent Schools Hockey Cup National Finals in Birmingham. The whole match was livestreamed through the Churcher’s College Facebook page, enabling pupil and parent-wide support throughout.

Captain Alex Lambrianou ensured the team were focused and ready for the biggest day of their season. Churcher’s started very well against Whitgift, a hockey powerhouse, going two up before the break again through Will Porter and a superb upright reverse stick effort from forward James Hill. Two-nil up at the break coach Andy Cairns spoke of calm and composure in the second half.

Whitgift came back strongly and reduced the deficit inside of two minutes. Churcher’s continued to play well however Whitgift scored a second – nerves were frayed amongst the supporters! Henry Plewes made an important tackle inside the Churcher’s D and before long Will Porter was running with the ball in the opposition half. Beating two players he approached the D and shot on his reverse beating the diving Whitgift keeper and making it 3-2 Churcher’s with less than two minutes remaining. A disciplined last few seconds ensured Churcher’s saw out the result to the final whistle and sent the player and supporters in to rapturous celebrations.

‘I’m so proud of the team becoming national hockey champions, it is an incredible achievement. I know the team coaches, Jeremy Harris and Andy Cairns, were impressed with the players’ skill, hardwork and resilience throughout the competition. I have no doubt that this is an experience the boys will cherish for years to come – huge congratulations from all at Churcher’s!’

The supporters for the Churcher’s game included not only parents and staff who travelled to Birmingham with the team but also students, staff and parents watching the game through the Facebook livestream, ensuring it was a school-wide success shared with as many as possible.

Churcher’s College beat some tough opposition to get to this point including King Edwards Southampton, Seaford College, Kingston Grammar School & Uppingham School. Churcher’s had drawn St George’s College in the Semi-final. With the regular block against them earlier in the season having been called off due to snow neither side knew much about each other.

Churcher’s started brilliantly with a high tempo attacking brand of hockey and soon were a goal to the good courtesy of Jack Thomas on his reverse. Next it was the Captain’s turn with a drag flick from a penalty corner having been won from some tireless play from the forwards. St George’s pulled one back before half time with a well worked penalty corner routine of their own and so it was 2-1 Churcher’s at half time. Churcher’s had had the better of the exchanges with Ollie Slingsby, Rory Morris and, arguably player of the tournament, Will Porter winning the midfield battle creating a number of openings. However, St George’s pulled a goal back and with full time being blown the result was 2-2 and penalty strokes ensued.

It was now time for Alex Lambriano, Rory Morris and Will Porter to step up as the takers and Ben Bushell in goal. After they had all taken their penalty strokes it was only Will who had scored in the top left corner. Fortunately Ben Bushell was on fire and made two saves from three. Will Porter then stepped up again in sudden death strokes – same place, same result. Ben Bushell then made another save to his left side to take us through to the final!

Whitgift made their way to the final beating Calday Grange by penalty strokes.