Cannock U9's took part in this weekend's Yazoo National Youth Hockey Festival. Based around a EuroHockey theme, the side, with players aged from 5 - 9 years represented Ireland in matches against France, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium and Italy.

They had a great day out and performed superbly, showing great skill and tenacity, often playing against much older and considerably bigger players. They ended with an unbeaten record of played 6, won 3, drawn 3. They scored 8 goals and keeper James Bandurak kept clean sheets in every game. The scorers were Laurie Horn (3), Jordan Joiner (3), Dominic Hoare and Danny Swinnerton-Ions. Laurie's hat-trick against Belgium set the tone for the afternoon, with Harry Jawanda being the second Cannock player to score a hat trick, with his 4 for England A against Reading.

A big thank you in particular to Andrew Gooderham and the England guys from Cannock (Richard Lane, Harry Jawanda and Tim Deakin) who brought many of the squad over to talk to the team, sign autographs and pose for pictures.

It was a pity that we were only able to take a squad of 10, as we regularly have over 30 under 9s attending Thursday training.

The full squad is:

Danny Swinnerton-Ions, Laurie Horn, Glen Waterman, Dominic Hoare, Simon Roslow, April Waterman, Jordan Joiner, James Bandurak, Cameron Horn, Lewis Michael, Harry Michael (mascot)

Coaching Team: Alex Bandurak, Callum McGarrie, Jo Bandurak, Rufus Horn, David Michael

Report Rufus Horn; Photo Nicky Michael