Our U15 boys’ hockey team faced off in a highly anticipated rivalry match against Lichfield Cathedral, a showdown that never fails to stir emotions. Both teams have a history of competitive encounters, and The Friary was determined to come away with the win.
However, despite their valiant efforts, the match ended in a 2-0 defeat for Friary.
The boys fought hard from the very first whistle, with every player leaving it all on the field. Up front, the trio of Noah Bowers, Anand Sihota, and Kian Edwards consistently made powerful runs into Lichfield’s attacking D, showing great promise in breaking through the defence. However, despite their best efforts, each attack was denied either through some wayward shots or by some spectacular saves from the opposing goalkeeper. The team’s tenacity was clear, though, as they continued to push forward with determination, even when chances seemed limited.
In the central midfield, Fraser Neenan, Sam Willis and Luke Aldridge played an instrumental role in linking up the play, working tirelessly to deliver well-weighted passes to the forwards. Their tactical awareness ensured that the attacking players were well-served, but despite their efforts, the crucial final touch was missing, and the elusive goal remained out of reach.
A special mention must go to Elliott Trent and Ollie Anderson, who stepped up to play last minute due to unexpected dropouts. Their contributions were invaluable, and both made significant impacts on the match. It’s a testament to the strength of the team that even in difficult circumstances, everyone rallied together.
It was also fantastic to see Nate Kirkwood and Oscar Eggington return to the team after some time away. Nate, in particular, stood out with some excellent defensive stops that denied Lichfield more chances to extend their lead, providing a steady and calm presence in the backline. His performances were crucial in keeping the score line within reach.
However, it was Osama Alashi, a Year 8 player, who truly stole the show and earned the title of Player of the Match. His defensive work was nothing short of spectacular. On multiple occasions, he made miraculous stops on the line, saving shots that most wouldn’t have even dreamed of blocking. His resilience and composure under pressure impressed both the coaches, who were in awe of his ability to make game-changing interventions. His defensive displays were a testament to his growing talent and skill.
Kim Fallows, team coach, said: “While the 2-0 loss was disappointing, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. The boys showed exceptional teamwork, resilience, and determination, and although the result didn’t go in their favour, their performance left a lot of promise for future games.”
