Royston Boys U16 1 - 2 Hertford Boys U16 (Friendly)

Hertford's boys had to work hard, keep their discipline and stick to their game play for 50 minutes before a finally breaking down the Royston defence and come away as victors.

The first three quarters saw some tense competitive hockey between two well matched sides. Hertford probably had the more chances during this period but when they were able to get shots on goal they were well kept out by the Royston keeper (who was a little over 16 but signing up for his debut in goal at the last minute, deputising for Royston's usual lad). Pressure from Hertford saw two awarded penalty corners but neither chance could be put away.

At the other end, Elliot needed to make a few good saves in the first and third quarters, but the second quarter saw him and his central defenders all but unemployed as Hertford controlled the midfield and played some attractive passing hockey. Much of the play was channelled down the left but when the ball came out the other way Alex Archer was unstoppable down the wing.

An even game, it remained goalless until 5 minutes into the final quarter when the Stags won another penalty corner which eventually fell to Alex mid D to lift into the net finally beating the Royston defence. Minutes later Iain, who had been a constant threat throughout, made some space for himself to get a strong shot off to beat the keeper low to his left making it 0-2.

Royston were not to be denied and kept fighting back quickly finding a way behind the Hertford defence to defy Elliot and make it 1-2 but after this frenetic 5 minutes of goal action the final part of the game returned to the midfield struggle that prevailed in the first three quarters but with no further alarms, Hertford Stags came away the winners.

Team
Elliot Mari, Lawrence Robinson, James Furse, Simon Archer, Sam Willoughby, William Carter, Joshua Scott, Tom Weller, Riley Skillett, Matthew Carter, Daniel Bristow, Alex Archer, Gabriel Thornton, Iain MacPherson, Cormac Green, Louis Joe Archer