Following the success of qualification achieved in the Leicestershire County Championships, Westleigh Boys and Girls attended the Midlands Hockey Championships at the Hockey Centre in Beeston with full squads of 10 players. This was the first time the club had been able to field both boys and girls squads and reflected the growth of the junior section to date.

The boys were up first and had a very competitive match against the eventual second placed team; North Staffordshire. The game was 0-0 for most of the game with Bentley debuting in goal making some fantastic saves. Unfortunately, three late goals went in, all from the same talented player and we lost 3-0. Towcester were next and this was a very gritty 0-0 draw, but we had a chance to win the game but the usually reliable Torby missed the target! The tactics of the high player were being nullified by the opposition packing the middle of the pitch so new tactics were needed for the next game. Sutton was again a close game, with many chances at each end Shaurya and Alex defending expertly and keep the waves of attacks out. Solomon worked very hard in this game in defence and attack a superb display of fitness and commitment to the cause. Unfortunately, a late goal went in and the game finished with a 1-0 loss. West Bridgford were up next and after beating Westleigh comfortably in a previous friendly they were confident of a repeat. This did not happen and the game was closely fought for the majority of the time. The defensive paring of Alex and Shaurya was proving very effective in keeping out the waves of attacks. Jake was causing problems upfront with his direct style playing like a real centre forward and Emmet was tearing down the right to good effect. Bentley made some top class saves in this game, even coming out to squash the attackers on several occasions. As was the unfortunate norm in the tournament however late goals cost us and West Bridgford ran in two quick goals, so another loss. Atherstone Adders were next who proved to be very nice opponents and we had another close game with some good saves this time from the Adders keeper keeping Westleigh out. James and Gabriel had both been having a great tournament so far and they really shone in this game holding their position out wide and distributing the ball well. Nathan was doing well in defence and made some important tackles in the game to keep the score 0-0, until unfortunately we lost out to a penalty corner scored right at the end of the game, we were ready for flicks as well! The final game was against Edgbaston and this is where the team played like we knew they could, great passing down the wide channels and some direct running from Solomon saw him take two nice goals - fantastic effort! Torby was also helping out in midfield more linking up with Emmet and they both did really well in this match. The final act of the game was another last minute penalty corner, this time made in the Under 8s, James expertly pushed out to Gabriel at the top of the D who took the ball in and made a perfect strike! A fitting ending to a fun tournament. Westleigh were certainly competitive in all their matches and having by far the youngest team at the tournament there is a lot more to come from this group of players.

The girls were up next, fielding a full squad of ten players with a number of year 3 and 4 girls playing so again the youngest team there. Belper were first to play us, a very large and established club. This was the perhaps the best match of the tournament as the girls were really up for the battle. Some strong tackles from Darcey early on made it clear Westleigh U10s girls were not to be taken lightly. Elise also contributed to the physicality of the game showing great strength on the ball and in the tackles. Neva was called into action several times and made some amazing saves. Belper scored a nice individual goal, but they were frustrated at not beating Westleigh by more. They ended up coming second overall so well done girls for giving them a good game! Shrewsbury were next, another big club who played hard from the start. Westleigh were under a lot of pressure in this game and defensive trio of Isla, Evelyn and Megan all performed amazingly well keeping them out. Adriana (playing on her birthday) did well when she got the ball and was able to move it out of trouble to relieve the pressure on several occasions. Annabelle was really on fire in this game too, covering a lot of ground and making some key last minute tackles to keep them out. The game ended in a tough 0-0 draw, well done girls and good start. Stourport played next and this was more of the same, hard tackles and good defending, it was hard for the girls to get much going on the attack in this game although Darcey was trying very hard with quick self passes to catch the opposition off guard. Layla played well keeping the ball moving down the left and also tracking back well showing good speed. Autumn also did her best swapping in for her sister and was able to move the ball up the field well. Towards the end of the game the girls were clearly tired and more and more shots were raining down on the goal, Neva was doing amazing keeping them all out, but finally one sneaked in and it was another 1-0 loss.

Newark were next and this time the girls got off to a great start with Darcey scoring a nice early goal from a self-pass run. Westleigh looked on top in this game with Annabelle and Elise linking up well in midfield and Isla calmly tracking back and snuffing out any of their attacks. Alas the girls were denied a victory with two late goals from a determined Newark team, well done Newark for trying hard right to the end. North Staffordshire were next and by now a lot of the girls were very tired indeed. Megan was still full of energy and bouncing around though making great interventions and tackling girls twice her size! The girls tried their best and had a lot of chances to score but just could not get the ball in the goal, the game ended in another 1-0 loss though – this was becoming a theme! The final game was against our neighbours Ashby and both teams played some great hockey being fairly evenly matched. Ashby managed to sneak a goal that trickled over the line leaving Westleigh chasing the game. It could have been 2-0 but Evelyn tracked back and made the tackle of the tournament stopping Ashby scoring. A bit like the last game lots of time was spent attacking by the girls but to no avail until a last minute short corner was awarded. Isla injected nicely to Darcey who took a good first touch into the D and slotted the ball home. 1-1 draw, but flicks had to follow. The girls were excited about the flicks however we lost, credit to Isla though who took her flick really well right into the corner. All in all a good experience for the team who showed they were always in the games and did not let anyone overwhelm them.

At this stage for both U10 sides, the results were not the focus. The tournament experience will be very valuable for them in the future and the club is very proud of their efforts representing Westleigh at the highest level of junior club hockey. A great day of hockey for the players and thanks for the help from the coaches and the umpires and super support as always from the sidelines - it really was a great atmosphere! Final note to say well done for Adriana for playing on her birthday and for bringing cakes (thanks mum!)