Squad: Ollie Balcombe(GK), Jeevan Dhanda (C), Dan Hoare(VC), George Myatt, Reece Jecketts, Louie Morris, Callum Swinnerton-Ions, Tom Bunn, Callum Stacey, Cameron Beswick, Ethan Sweeney, Mitch Bosi

Cannock U16s made the short trip to Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton aiming to become Indoor National Champions. After beating Beeston and Belper to crowned Midlands Indoor Champions back in December Coach Alex Hill and his players were confident they could go all the way.

On Saturday, Cannock's first game came against Stockton ; the game started with both teams very nervous due to the importance of the occasion and at the scores were level at half-time 0-0. Despite the game not having many chances Cannock were edging the game in terms of possession but it was Stockton who took the lead when Cannock conceded a penalty flick, this was scored by the North East side, which meant with around nine minutes to go Cannock found themselves 1-0 behind. The game continued with Cannock now forcing the play and started to create more and more opportunities, within the final minutes Cannock won and converted two short corners turning the score on its head giving Cannock an opening 2-1 win in their first game.

With Cannock on top of the world and top of the group at this stage, the lad's second game came against Canterbury . Knowing how important it was to get points on the board quickly Cannock were determined to play well. This opening half of this second game was where Cannock produced their best hockey and made Coach Alex Hill proud. Quick, sharp hockey with passing and movement throughout left Canterbury chasing their own shadows as Cannock turned on the style, at this point in competition Cannock were looking unplayable. At halftime, doubles from Captain Jeevan Dhanda and George Myatt saw Cannock sail into a 4-1 lead. Half-time was all about keeping discipline and getting the valuable second win. To the despair of the players and staff Cannock allowed circumstances to pull them apart in the second half. A quick goal from Canterbury saw the momentum swing and soon it was 4-3. A Louie Morris goal only calmed things down temporality as Cannock failed to maintain valuable possession and Canterbury levelled the scores at 5-5. Cannock were on the back foot but a superb quick piece from Callum Swinnerton-Ions saw Cannock win a penalty flick with minutes to go. This was missed by Myatt and the score finished level with both sides sharing the ten goals scored. Despite the frustrations of two points lost on the day at the end play on Saturday Cannock found themselves joint-top of their group with only two games left to play.

Sunday brought the top two sides in the group, at the time, together as the boys took on Team Bath with the winner of the game more or less guaranteed qualification for the Semi-Finals. The game started in an edgy fashion with Cannock holding most of the ball, but Cannock were failing to create clear chances, halfway through the first half a poor clearance from defence saw a Bath player convert the ball passed a defenceless Ollie Balcombe who was superb throughout the weekend. Minutes later the same play occurred and Cannock were again expertly punished and found themselves 2-0 behind in a game they had edged. A few poor short corners from Cannock meant the halftime score was 2-0. A team-talk of calm was made from Coach Alex Hill as the lads were reminded of Canterbury 's second half comeback. The game restarted but Cannock shot themselves in the foot gifting Team Bath two more goals from poor passes out of defence, this hit the confidence of the lads which was clear to see and painful for Coach Alex Hill to watch. His team was more than capable of beating anyone but decisions of individual players and outsiders can effect a team's performance. The finished 4-0 to Team Bath.

The results going against Cannock , the boys needed a five goal victory over old Loughtonians in their final group game but were playing a dangerous side as Old Loughts were already going home and had nothing to play for. An early goal was key which didn't come and the lads began to rush their play and make unnecessary mistakes. It was no surprise that the opposition scored and lead 1-0 at halftime, the six goals needed in only twelve minutes. Cannock's chances were looking slight, the game restarted and Cannock fell into the same mistakes of rushing play which soon lead to more goals for Old Loughtonians. In one final through of the dice Cannock took their keeper off to put an extra player on but for this to work possession is key and Cannock did have this. Further goals were scored and Cannock eventually lost the game 6-1, with Myatt scoring for Cannock .

The results proved difficult on Cannock who after finding themselves joint top at the start of Sunday finished joint bottom at the end of the day. This was not because Cannock were the poorest side. It was because they had conceded goals when looking for goals from themselves. The odd different decision here and there and Cannock could well have found themselves in the Semi-Finals. Havant U16s from the other group eventually were crowned U16s Indoor Champions 2012.

Throughout the whole of the weekend Keeper Ollie Balcombe commanded his goal superbly, George Myatt and Dan Hoare were strong in defence, Reece Jecketts linked the play well in midfield, and forwards Jeevan Dhanda and Louie Morris work tirelessly for themselves and others. All the others lads supported their side and served the team and their club all weekend with great respect. The boys were understandably disappointed but they must remember they wore their badge with honour, served their club well, and did their Coach proud. Cannock competed against the best and was easily as good as anyone which was is proof they can go all the way in the outdoor competition and they still have a great chance of winning.

A great weekend, with the wrong result but Cannock U16s live to fight another battle as they head for Outdoor Nationals in March – watch this space, this a team with a togetherness and unity that is quite unique at this level.