b"THE ELLESMERIAN 104Boys Hockey1st XIWell, what a fantastic termithas been for the boys Hockeyright with three swift goals being scored early in the second half. The team!Boys Hockey at Ellesmere College has beengrowing steadilyfinal score of 3-1 was a great resultinsuch a hard-fought contest. over the past few years, like alit firework just waiting for its chance toentertain.The next test for the team was playingin a 7aside formatof the game at the annual Wrekin 7s tournament. This was a challenge that With only a few players making thetransitioninto Old Ellesmerianthe Ellesmere side were ready to take on, and they did so with great status,the side wasrelativelyunshaken and had the benefit of a fewsuccess. The9 mansquad found themselves progressing swiftly in the new players to strengthen the squad.tournament and finishing as Champions, bringing home the sliverware. Another successful outing that showcased how well the side can play Without any training sessions under theirbelts,the boys went intoas a team, linking well with each other and creating team goals. battleearly on at the Shropshire U18 Tournament. This saw them fight it out with localschoolsat the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.The side werevery excited for the final game of the season. Local Thiswould be thefirst encounter against many of the schools thatclub Deeside Ramblers were coming to the campus to play in the they would face in friendly fixtures through the coming months.annual game. This long standing tradition goes back many years. Its Itwasagreat success for the Ellesmere side. With goals a plenty,thealways a highlight in the calendar and often draws a large crowd.sidewere undefeated for the whole afternoon andwere crowned Champions.This was a fantastic way to kick start the year withAfter lastyearslong-awaited victory for theEllesmereteam,the local multiple wins.visitorswere up for revenge. The game was on a knife edge as it entered its final minutes. In the dyingseconds of the game,Deeside The Ellesmere side were given two tough matches in the Englandmanaged to score the crucial yet painful goal, which saw them take Hockey Nation Cup that saw them make an early exit from thethe lead 4-3. This fantastic exhibition match really showcased how competition. This grounding washard but was useful for the playersasfarthe side hascome over the past few years. And without a doubt, it gave perspective on the season, making the side more determinedwe arelooking forward for the rematch in the season ahead. to push on and play harder. It's been a pleasure to work with such a talented group of individuals Theside were fired up to play against Shrewsbury School, with manywho have shown real commitment and dedication to the sport, as things to put right from previous games.It was a close game thatwell as to each other,building a real team, withtrueEllesmerianspirit. sawboth sides linking well and creating scoring opportunities. Just before the half time whistle Shrewsbury School scored a well workedSJTgoal.Ellesmerewent in for the breaka goal behind. This was soon put"