Bedford School are celebrating another sporting success after the Under-16 hockey side brought the Tier 2 National Schools Final Plate back to the town after beating a strong Abingdon team.
Goals from Jack Down and captain, Sammy Inman were enough to secure a 2-1 victory at the Olympic Park Stadium and ensure a successful end to another hockey season at Bedford School.
The Olympic Park Stadium was a special venue for the final, with Fifth Former, Henry Whitfield describing the occasion.
“I feel it had a different atmosphere to anywhere else I’ve played and it is something I will always remember”, said Henry.
The Bedford School team would need every ounce of courage to bounce back after going behind early on.
Abingdon took a deserved lead before ten minutes were on the clock, but Jack Down was on hand to equalise in the first period as both sides went into the half-time break at a goal apiece.
Bedford School came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and it was captain, Inman who gave Bedford the lead for the first time in the final and that 2-1 score remained until the last.
Abingdon had their chances to take the game to penalty flicks, but some excellent defending including an excellent one-on-one save from Will Jackson in the Bedford goal with just a minute left on the clock kept their slim lead intact, and secure Bedford School the title.
Win caps a memorable season
“I feel delighted that we came away with a winning result because we have a great team and we have had a memorable season”, said captain, Sammy Inman after the encounter.
“The thing I enjoy most about the hockey season is playing with a great bunch of lads and coming up against such strong competition.
“This year, and the years prior, I have enjoyed playing in this team with a plethora of talent on show; with some boys leaving us at the end of the year, I’m glad that we got to enjoy one last dance as a team at Lea Valley and came away with gold.”
“Huge well done to this group of boys, who have been outstanding all season”, said Director of Sport, Barry Burgess.
“A special mention also to coach, Mr Marriott for his time, enthusiasm and expertise in coaching the team.”
