News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
U18’s Take part in Nail-biting play-off.

U18’s Take part in Nail-biting play-off.

James Wallis30 Mar 2017 - 19:58
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.lutontownhc.com/ne

With the fantastic talent on display at a recent U18’s tournament, Luton Town HC’s starlets shine in an exhilarating penalty shuttles showdown.

Although the day started out chilly and windy it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of the players when it came to game day. With England under 16’s and future games talent on display, it was going to be an exceptional day with hockey being the real winner.

Tournament structure had Luton Town HC in the same group with Lichfield HC, Kettering HC, and Bedford - Luton topped Bedford and finished 2nd in their group to Lichfield, who ended overall runners-up of the tournament, only conceding one goal all day.

The play-off fixture saw Luton come up against Wycombe, a national final’s team who had two England U16’s, Cameron Ryall and Harry Bennett, within their line-up. The game started out evenly with both sides having good possession and attacking opportunities, but it was Luton who took the lead through a superb tomahawk strike from, Sam Herbert. An under-pressure Luton conceded twice before pulling a goal back 5 minutes from full-time through Rochelle Lewsey, taking the game a nail-biting penalty shuttles.



With Wycombe first up, Luton quickly took advantage through a good save from goalkeeper, Kailum Mistry, who kept out Wycombe's first effort. First to take Luton’s penalty shuttle was, Robert Shearer and despite his one-on-one being saved, a quick, instinctive and outrageous slap lob saw Luton go 1 nil up. Wycombe then went on to take the lead with three straight goals whilst Luton found themselves up against Wycombe’s goalkeeper who made two great saves. Wycombe won the penalty shoot-out 3 – 2, on the final shuttle.

A massive congratulations to the U18’s in the first game together, it’s hard to believe how far they’ve come in 10 years when first playing together.



Group fixtures and results;
Lichfield HC 2 – 0 Luton Town HC
Bedford HC 2 – 2 Luton Town HC
Kettering HC 1 – 4 Luton Town HC

Further reading