AN outstanding performance at the North-West Association of Junior Independent Schools Hockey tournament saw King’s School’s U11s lifting the trophy for the first time.
The day started slowly with a defeat against last year’s winners, Kirkham. The Macclesfield side was undaunted and went on to win the next six matches to land the title.
Goals from Joe Moores, Archie Hood and Leo Burns in the group stages saw the team victorious against The Grange, Westholme, Cheadle Hulme and AKS to set up a semi-final encounter against a strong King’s Chester side who were unbeaten in the tournament.
In a tense game, the King’s defence was outstanding with Alex Creswell and Seth Oliver-Williams making last-ditch tackles and Zach Al-Ausi pulling off a string of outstanding saves in goals.
The match went to a ‘golden-goal’ with Walter Lowe finally breaking the deadlock when he slid the ball past the advancing keeper.
The final was a rematch against Kirkham. King’s dominated the early stages with some outstanding midfield play from Dylan Parks-Symborkski, Walter Travis, Leo Burns and Joe Moores.
It was Walter Lowe, who was again on hand to put the team in front with a calmly taken finish after some excellent approach play.
King’s searched for a second goal to settle the nerves but as the game progressed, Kirkham pushed for the equaliser.
The King’s boys stood strong in defence and again, some excellent saves from Zach saw the team come out as winners.