NFSSP News Story

Hockey
Priestlands School
17th March 2009

Nine teams in total took part and were divided in to two pools, one of four and one of five.
Pool 1 included last year’s winners Poulner and three other in Marchwood, Lymington and Ringwood. In Pool 2, teams came from Blackfield, Pennington, Bartley, Ashley and Marchwood. The competition got under way with Poulner, Blackfield and Marchwood A making early strides in their attempt to secure a semi final place. In Pool 2 things were also looking close with Ashley, Marchwood B and Bartley the early front runners. After all the results were in, Pool 2 was clear cut with Ashley winning the group followed by Marchwood B taking second. The result of Poo1 1 was far closer. Poulner finished clear in first with 12 points but with points, goal difference, goals scored and conceded, Marchwood A and Blackfield could not be separated! This forced a tense ‘Golden Goal’ play off between them resulting in Blackfield scoring 1 minute in.

In semi final one Poulner faced Marchwood B and semi final two saw the winners of pool 2 Ashley up against Blackfield. Both semi finals were hotly contested with both victors winning by narrow margins.
Poulner over came Marchwood B, with Ashley also coming out on top in their match. The two losing semi finalist then pitted their wits against each other to see who take home the bronze medals. Marchwood B were eventual winners by one goal to nil, but with Blackfield scoring two seconds after the referee’s whistle, the bronze medals were shared.
Ashley took on a strong Poulner side in the Partnership final. Poulner dominated early on and dually took the lead on three minutes with a deft touch by the furthest attacking player, sending the ball racing in to an empty net! Ashley fought back strongly though and on five minutes levelled with a neat finish after a goal mouth scramble. But, last years winners were not to be denied victory and they made some concerted pressure count in the final minute by firing home from a long corner.

Congratulations to this year’s winners Poulner who once again lift the trophy! Every team in this year’s competition deserve praise as they all contributed to a fantastic day and performed brilliantly under the hot sun, well done everyone!
The competition was supported once again by New Milton Hockey Club, who very kindly provided the officials on the day and had previously set up and run coaching sessions for some of the participating schools in this year’s event. Priestlands School also provided some of their sports leaders to help with the scoring and umpiring.