Cannock U18s take Bronze in National Finals
Posted by Andy Darnley on 15 April 2013
Cannock U18s take Bronze in National Finals
Cannock's Boys Under 18s travelled to the National Finals Day at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club in Essex and faced the host team in the semi-final. A cagey opening 10 minutes saw both teams play well but it was Old Loughts who took the lead and soon doubled their advantage as they asserted some control. However, Cannock fought back and Jeevan Dhanda's goal just before half-time reduced arrears.
Cannock came out quickly for the second half but clinical finishing saw Old Loughts take a 4-1 lead. However, Cannock continued to cause problems and Matt Jarocki pounced on the rebound from a Lewis Jowett shot to pull a goal back. Cannock pressed their opponents and could have scored more but it was their opponents who countered late-on to make the score a lob-sided 5-2.
Cannock regrouped and faced Trojans from Southampton in the Bronze Medal play-off. Again Cannock began well and took the lead through Jack Middleton. Injuries led to enforced changes and Trojans pushed hard for an equaliser which finally came with 15 minutes remaining. The last few minutes saw a level of work rate and commitment that has characterised Cannock's path to the finals as they held on to move to penalty flicks. Cannock's second penalty shoot-out of the competition ended the same way as the first with Cam Beswick firing home the decisive flick to give Cannock a well deserve 3rd place finish.
