Hertford Hockey Club U14 Boys had a very successful outing at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre on Sunday 5th October defeating Crostyx on home turf by 5 goals to 1 in the first round of the prestigious England Hockey National Cup Competition.

In glorious sunshine and in front of a largely partisan crowd the away team started brightly, silenced the home crowd with two early goals courtesy of Ewen Macpherson and Josh Over. Both followed a similar pattern with close interlink play between the experienced midfield line up of Thomas Ashworth , Jeremiah Donaghue, Ollie Mulvaney , Arthur Twyning and talisman Luke Kennedy.

Hertford were in cruise control, however, Crostyx however had other idea’s and fired back with a well taken breakaway goal close to half time leaving Tor Bartram in goal with no chance despite a valiant attempt at a save. The tide did appear to be turning and the omens were worrying for the talented away side.

The second half proved a more even affair, at least for the first 10 mins, as Crostyx applied more pressure in an attempt to get back on even terms. Hertford responded with character and determined tackling at the back with the combination of Rob Davies, Ed Hartley, Jack Timms, Joe Mari and James Rollins snuffing out any forays into the Hertford 25. With a change in tactics, and the introduction of striker Rian Weston, combined with channelling attacks down the right flank, the opposition were opened up like a can of sardines. Goals from Jeremiah Donaghue, and a brace from debutante Ollie Mulvaney sealed the victory for Hertford.

Hertford’s finest are in action again on the 19th October , hosting Amersham and Chalfont at the Simon Balle School.