PWHC U8 Boys Y.M.C.A. Blitz

Under 8 Boys YMCA Blitz

6th March 2016

The U8’s travelled to Wesley on Mother’s day to a warm welcome from the hosts. We played in a series of 4V4 and 6V6 games.

Great conditions, a crisp Sunday afternoon and an excellent performance from the team, playing five 12 minute matches against teams from Monkstown, Railway, Three Rock and YM.

With a 6 man squad, we utilized rolling subs, so every boy got the chance to attack and defend.

The boys played “fast attack” hockey, with Michael McCormick and Benjamin Atkinson opening up the opposition often with zipped passes forward. Isaac Keating led the team from the front, and got the team off to a great start only 1 minute into the first game, firing in from close range, before settling into a deeper midfield role for the rest of the tournament.

A natural partnership between Ben and Eoghan O’Neill then took turns using pace and power to score another 6 goals between them over the next 4 matches. Michael energy in midfield was impressive throughout, showing strong ball control and positioning, which managed to get him into great positions, scoring 2 goals against YM in the penultimate game of the blitz.

John Moran and John Byrne kept things fresh moving “back to front” consistently, with one or two goal-line clearances by the pair.  (Thanks guys!)

Ben showed his shooting prowess, with some long range powerful shots, only for the umpire to rule out 2 goals for distance.

In the final match, Eoghan’s cross field running, combined with the strong tacking of John M and John P from the back proved too strong for Railway.

Captain Isaac then rounded off the tournament as he had started, out muscling the defence of Railway, to slot home the final goal of the game.

Overall, a great showing of teamwork, skill and application.