The Annual U12 Jean Torrance Tournament saw 13 teams participate in the A & B tournaments with schools from as far afield as Scotland and Yorkshire joining three AKS and local school and club sides for an action packed day of hockey.
In the A tournament, the AKS U12A team got off to the perfect start with a well-deserved 1-0 win against Preston Hockey Club. Further wins against Stonyhurst, thanks to two great strikes from Ella B.
AKS prep, Lytham High & Mary Erskine saw the team finish as runners-up in the group with Grammar School at Leeds topping the group by remaining undefeated.
We progressed into the semi-final which saw us in a nail biting re-match against Stonyhurst. We took the lead after great play from Penny A in the middle, Freya W, Amelie Y and Ella B but the talented Stonyhurst side were always a threat and despite some great defending from Arabella C, Blythe R and Grace W Stonyhurst equalised.
More superb attacking play and well worked corner routines saw us create more chances but the scores remained level and the game had to be decided on penalties. Three brave souls Penny A, Ella B and Arabella C stepped up to take the penalties and with some great saves from Harriet B and Penny A scoring her penalty the teams could still not be separated so even more tension saw the result decided by sudden death penalties which saw Stonyhurst secure their place in the final. To their great credit the team lifted themselves for the 3rd/4th pay off against Mary Erskine and after a great win took home 3rd place certificates.
The AKS U11 side also played in the A tournament and did themselves proud finishing in equal 5th place. The team grew in confidence as the tournament progressed and played some superb hockey along the way. Highlight of the day was the win over Preston Hockey club but they also enjoyed close battles against Lytham High A team and Mary Erskine A team
The U12 B team played in the B tournament which proved to be a close fought affair with many games finishing as draws or with one goal separating teams. The girls improved as the day progress and they played some great hockey which on another day would have won more games with many scoring opportunities being created but goals proving elusive! In the section matches hard fought draws against Lytham High, Stonyhurst, Mary Erskine B and Grammar School at Leeds B and a close defeat by Mary Erskine C team saw them finish 5th in their group. The team finished the day on a high with a great last game to defeat Lytham High and so take home 5th place certificates.
Although not everyone took home medals, hockey certainly was the winner with so many young players taking to the field, enjoying a great day of competitive hockey and definitely improving as the day progressed.