Our U16A boys hockey team finished their season on a high in Hilary term, securing a place in the Schools National Championships T2 Cup Final. Marked by strong performances, the team’s journey to the final included victories against Clifton College and Hurstpierpoint in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.

 

 

The final took place on 23 April at the illustrious Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park, London, where MCS teams have now competed in a national final for three consecutive years. Purpose-built for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the centre is known as the “Wembley of English hockey” with two top-grade pitches playing host to regional, national and international tournaments, as well as school and club competitions.

 

 

In the final, we faced a formidable Haileybury team, with boys from both sides arriving at the stadium early to watch the U18 T1 semi-final before warming up for their match. Our boys enjoyed a great deal of support from their peers, as several coaches filled with MCS pupils made the journey down from Oxford to Lee Valley to cheer them on.

 

 

The team greatly enjoyed the atmosphere of the stadium; walking out the tunnel for a line-up photo before push back at 1.30 pm. Both teams were well-matched; the hard-fought first half ending 1-0 to Haileybury, with MCS goalkeeper Dennis valiantly defending a penalty. After the break, MCS conceded again, before a short corner made the final score 3-0.

 

 

While the day sadly ended in disappointment, the boys took real heart from the final, receiving their runners-up medals in a special presentation ceremony after the match.

Many congratulations to Haileybury, and to our boys and staff on a great season of hockey!