Action packed day of hockey at Wilberforce Road

It was an action-packed day of hockey as the South Cambs School Sports Partnership welcomed 40 teams to their annual Quicksticks Hockey competitions. The event which was held at the University Sports Ground on Wilberforce Road was split into a separate competition for ‘big schools’ and ‘small schools’ based on pupil numbers.

The morning saw 20 teams from 11 ‘big schools’ split into a ‘Cup’ and ‘Plate’ competition with teams playing 10minute matches against all the other schools in their pool in a round robin format. There were plenty of competitive matches and close scoring games in the as the 4-a-side teams made up of 2 boys and 2 girls gave their best effort to do well for their school.

In a repeat of last year, the final of the ‘Cup’ competition was contested by the teams from Histon Brook and University of Cambridge Primary with both teams playing some great hockey in the round robin stages and winning all of their matches on the way to the final. The team from Histon Brook were the better team in the final though winning the game 2-1.

In the big schools ‘Plate’ competition meanwhile in was the second teams from Pendragon and Trumpington Park who qualified for the final, again both teams had 100% records from their group matches and went into the final with confidence. Pendragon showed great teamwork and skill though to win the final 3-0.

The afternoon saw teams from 12 different schools compete for ‘small school’ honours with Harston & Newton and Meldreth qualifying for the ‘Cup’ final with wins in all of their group matches. The final was extremely closely contested with some great play from both teams, but Harston and Newton came out on top with a 2-1 victory.

In the ‘plate’ competition meanwhile Barton qualified as clear winners from their group scoring an incredible 23 goals in 4 matches whilst the other group had to be decided by a toss of a coin after Harston & Newton 2 and Gt Abington both finished with 10 points, the same goal difference and the same number of goals scored and a 1-1 draw in their match. Gt Abington won the toss and took on the tough task of trying to beat an excellent Barton team, it wasn’t to be though, and Barton finished the event as clear winners adding another 6 goals to their tally. Despite this Gt Abington never gave up.

There was also recognition on the day for those teams who had taken part in the ‘Spirit of the Games’ and demonstrated good teamwork and honesty in their performances. There were lots of nominations for these awards which was great to see but the winners were Waterbeach, Bassingbourn 2, Meldreth 2 and Jeavons Wood who were all nominated for being supportive of their teammates and the umpires and showing great teamwork and fair play towards other teams.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of 18 sports leaders from Comberton Village College who did an exceptional job umpiring 100 games across 8 pitches over the course of what was a very cold day at Wilberforce Road. A big thankyou to them.