The Abingdonian 2019

39 www.abingdon.org.uk Lent Term fantastic results with some great wins over Marlborough, St Edward’s and Bloxham. The boys in this year group have the potential to play some magical, free flowing hockey, and we cannot wait to see how they progress into next year. The U12s performed magnificently at the U12 regional tournament. Playing some difficult matches during their group they ended up in the plate competition. Faced with some top quality schools, Abingdon showed grit and some fantastic playing ability to overcome all of the teams in their way. They won the plate winning 2-0 against Reigate. A special mention to all of the boys involved in the squad: Frederick Arnold, Harry Brinson, Roddy McVie, Conor Rogan, Sam Siriwardene, Luke Skates, Jack Veal, Oliver Veal, James Wakefield, and Jacob Wilkins. There was also a Lower School tour to Reading Hockey Club, which allowed the boys to experience some top quality coaching and to watch and ball boy at a premier league game. Abingdon were split into an U13 A and U12 A team, and both showed fantastic fitness, work rate and intensity in a round robin tournament against RHC colts sides. Both teams went on to win all their games. After the matches the boy were treated to waffles and were lucky enough to watch their coaches and Old Abingdonian Max Carter-Keall play for RHC 1st XI in a great match v Surbiton. There are so many more highlights for the club. Freddie Smith was selected for the England U16s training squad; the Hockey Griffins parent body continued their support of the club with donations for new ties and goal keeping smocks. We have created a new partnership with Reading Hockey Club that allows the pupils to be coached by some of the leading players and coaches in the country, and we are also excited to announce that we have employed a full time hockey professional Mr Hobley. Everything culminated in the end of season dinner where the Hockey Griffins put on an amazing night that included a speech from Andrew Hall, our former Director of Sport. Overall it has been the most exciting and fulfilling season. A huge thank you goes to all involved - bring on next year! Olly Deasy