U14 Boys Raiders Final Game Of The Season

It was our last Supra League game and our final match as a team, as many of us are moving up to the under-16s in September.

We already knew we had narrowly missed out on getting to the national finals in Nottingham before this match, but we also took pride in knowing that we came very close. This game was about pride because, over the season, teams from further afield had expected an easy win against us however, over the season, we changed that perception; they knew we would fight hard, and if they did win, we would make it a hard win for them.

Ultimately, Havant is a good team, but we went into the game feeling confident. We knew we were a good team and had been improving with each match, but due to 3-4 weeks away from hockey during the Easter break, it was also a little uncertain. It started with Havant dominating in the first half, but we remained solid in defence, stopping all their attacks and only conceding one short corner, which Will saved!  We also got two short corners in the first half, but our attempts on goal weren't slick enough or clever enough to achieve a goal. We ended the first half 0-0.

The second half was better for us. We held on to the ball longer, started playing more stick to stick hockey and showed some great skills in attack & our defence never failed. Nevertheless, we were overall in attacking play, and it felt good! The skill level of Havant team was very high, but our physicality and ability to play as a team helped us keep the scoreline at 0-0.

Unfortunately, it went to shuffles, which allowed them ultimately to take the win. Their goalie had good height and reach, preventing us from getting any goals, and I think we wanted to win so badly, and the tension got to us! There were some nail-biting moments for our parents on the sidelines.

However, all was not lost. Immediately after the match, we had an end-of-season BBQ where we swapped our sticks for a football and had a team kickabout, finishing with an awesome water fight. Mike, our amazing coach, handed out some awards.

• The “Lionheart Award” went to Janu Sapkota
• Luke Gray received the “All-Round Good Player and Good Guy award”
• Reuben Giles was named “Most Improved Player of the Season”,
• I got an award “For being less of a pain in the neck as the season went on!”
• Will Quainton our Goalie got the 'Mighty Mouse' award , so quiet, but so mighty in attitude and presence.
• Sam Quinton, our captain was honoured as “Player of the Season”.

A huge thanks to Mike, especially since he doesn't even have a child on our team! We will (actually) miss you, Mike. Thank you to Jo and Louise for doing all the administrative work that we were all grateful for, as it made training and matches happen!

Finally, thank you to the parents! I’d also like to add that I would not be playing hockey at the level I am or enjoying it as much if it weren't for my teammates. I hope the Year 8’s have a fantastic season in 2025/2026.

By Ben McKean