A later start than normal for the Leicester Westleigh Boys U12s but lots of games to keep the team busy. Looking at the tournament schedule, all our games were back to back meaning that fitness was going to be a big factor in the day’s outcome.

First game was against Ashby B. Westleigh came straight out the blocks not giving Ashby a chance with the ball. It was only a matter of time before Westleigh scored. After the first the goal came, they kept coming with the upfront pair running riot through their defense. Game finished 4-0 and was the perfect start to the tournament.

With confidence riding high, Westleigh headed straight into game 2, Litchfield. This was far more even with chances for both teams, but good goalkeeping kept it 0-0.
A short break gave some much needed rest before meeting Ashby A. The two teams have been going toe to toe from U10s, with the latest victory to Westleigh knocking them out the County championship. This meant a lot to both teams and it showed. A very tight game but with some real passing and early shooting Westleigh were able to beat the keeper. All about keeping heads at this point and the team did fantastic. The game ended 1-0 and one the lads enjoyed.

Straight on again this time Loughborough Town in their sights. Westleigh took the initiative and played some great hockey but chances were not being taken until a rebound was picked up and there were no mistakes. Game management needed but some poor thinking and sloppy play Loughborough were getting back in the game. Just before the end another poor block high up the pitch caught Westleigh out. Long ball up on the left side followed by some poor marking gave their striker a chance, and what a chance, from just in the D on the reverse and the goal was scored. Really good goal in at the far post followed by the whistle. Heads not down but they knew they should have seen the win out.
After another short break another grudge match against Leicester who on flicks won the county cup final. A chance to put it right. Real tough match and the huge Leicester player in the middle causing us problems but some good passing lead to a good team goal. Know just hold on work hard as Leicester tried hard to get even. With seconds to go and very weak shot from Leicester left our keeper, who had been amazing all day, with a decision kick it or leave it its going wide. As all looked on in horror the ball clipped the post and trickled over the line. So frustrating.

No time to get disappointed though, the last game vs Burton a big physical team. Early on Westleigh were the better team and after a move from the training that week saw the ball fly into the corner. After this Burton pinned us back with a very good press nearly scoring but defense cleaning the ball before it crossed the line. It looked like we would see out the win until some poor defending allowed the ball to be bundled over the line, not a nice goal to concede. But Westleigh with some superb hockey were undefeated. Shows how far these players have come, to want to win every game.

With so many draws it looked like we would finish lower down the league, but we had won a second-place medal. Sadly, Leicester won it by 2 points, the ball that hit the post being the difference. Great afternoon and sad to say goodbye to some players who move up to U14s, they have been a pleasure to coach.

Season over and time for the coaches to rest but all are looking forward to coaching next year’s U12s team