The U14 boys faced Queen Mary for the third time this season and came away with a 4-0 result. Despite the scoreline, the match was far from one‑sided. Queen Mary dominated long spells of possession and repeatedly forced the Friary defence deep into their own D.

Once again, goalkeeper Elliott Trent delivered a standout performance, producing a string of exceptional saves that kept the scoreline intact and prevented the opposition from scoring more. His consistency between the posts continues to be a major asset as the squad builds toward the Midlands Finals.

Coach Kim Fallows praised the team’s resilience but acknowledged that the defensive structure will need refining ahead of the competition on 27th February. With half-term approaching, the focus will shift to tightening organisation and decision‑making at the back, especially with a fourth meeting against Queen Mary scheduled immediately after the break.

The Player of the Match award went to Lennox Osbourne, whose sheer determination, strong clearances, and relentless energy were vital in relieving pressure during key moments. His willingness to battle for every ball set the tone for the team.

A special thank you goes to Charlie Luke, who stepped in at the last minute to cover for absences and ensured the squad could compete at full strength.

Miss Fallows said: “The boys now head into a well‑deserved rest over half term before preparations intensify for the Midlands Finals at Nottingham Hockey Centre. This was a result to reflect on, but valuable lessons will be learned, and we have momentum building at just the right time.”