The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Close to 160 primary school children from 12 local schools took part in Spalding Hockey Club’s second tournament of the season at Glen Park in Surfleet.
The 18 participating teams were split into four leagues – advanced, intermediate and two beginner leagues.
In the advanced league, St John’s came out as the new front runners with a shock 5-3 win over current holders St Norbert’s A.
Combined with a tough opening draw with John Harrox A and a close fought encounter with a rapidly improving Boston St Mary’s team, St John’s did enough to top the table.
In a close intermediate group, Ayscoughfee A took the honours with 1-0 wins over Pinchbeck East A and Wyberton and a battling 1-1 draw with Boston’s Tower Road.
A lively Pinchbeck East team recovered from their early setback to finish in second place with wins over Wyberton 2-0 and Tower Road 1-0.
Meanwhile, Surfleet Primary just edged out Weston Hills in the top beginner league despite going down 1-0 to them in a very evenly fought contest.
Both teams managed three wins and scored seven goals, but it was the defensive skills of Surfleet that gave them the edge on goal difference.
The other three sides in this five-team group – John Harrox B, Pinchbeck East B and Gosberton Academy – all battled hard and will be serious contenders in the spring tournaments.
Many of those competing in the lower beginner league were playing in their first tournament and will have enjoyed the experience.
John Harrox C won this group with three wins and a draw, but St Norbert’s B – who did not concede a goal in their four games – pushed them close.
Ayscoughfee B were also in contention before going down to John Harrox C in their final game.
All of the teams are now looking forward to competing in tournament three, which will once again be held at Spalding Hockey Club’s Glen Park base on Friday, February 5.
