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Valiant Venom 12s take bronze
20th May, 2008
Last weekend Telford Venom Junior Ice Hockey Club under 12’s travelled to the final four of the English National championship on Sheffield as runners up in Division 1 north. First up, they faced a tough semi final against Southern champions Bracknell. Despite dominating the early exchanges and out shooting their opponents Bracknell capitalised on a series of unfortunate events to lead 3 – 0 at the end of the first period. Despite falling further behind early in the 2nd period Venom regained their composure scoring just before the end of the second period. A fluent passing move by Oliver Hunt and Joshua Holden enabled Macaulay Heywood to slot home a power play goal. Bracknell displayed clinical finishing to score 2 more goals to run out 6-1 winners. This was no disgrace for Telford as Bracknell beat Guildford comfortably in the final to become English champions.
For Telford the reward was a third place playoff game against old rivals and Northern champions Sheffield. The game turned out to be a thriller. An exciting first period in which once again Telford out shot their opponents was drawing to a close when Sheffield fired home to take a 1-0 lead into the break. However, Telford did not miss a beat and continued to create chances whilst the defence stifled their opponents attacking threat. Their reward came at 24.58 with an unassisted goal for Oliver Hunt. They took the lead on 33.04 as Macaulay Heywood slid a shot across the face of the goal and just inside the far post.
The battle rejoined in the third period as Telford pressed for a third, Their effort was finally rewarded on 39.26 as Macaulay Heywood set up a goal for Joshua Holden. Unfortunately the two goal lead was short lived. Never has the phrase “you are at your most vulnerable when you have just scored” been truer than in this match. Within 30 seconds Sheffield pulled one back making for an intense final 5 minutes. Telford, however, did not weaken and their composure saw them through to a well earned victory and the Bronze Medal.
Their achievement in becoming the third ranked team in England was a testament not only to the performances over the play off weekend but throughout the season. The contribution of every player deserves recognition.
Success is built from the back and Callum Steventon and Kyle Macfarlane combined to deliver some excellent net minding. The defence was miserly as Matt Lees, Nicholas Oliver, Oliver Ward, Courtney Clay, Daniel Devey, Jack Meadows and Rhys Barlow combined to protect the net. Upfront the goals came from many sources as the combination of solo efforts and passing moves delivered well over 100 goals. The spread of goals indicates the degree of team work from Thomas Roycroft, Joseph Aston, Ross Pooler, Ben Washburn, Oliver Hunt, Macaulay Heywood, Matthew Price, Joshua Holden and Keiran Nickless.
The Bronze Medal helps represents possibly one of the best seasons ever for a Telford Under 12 team. In addition to winning the Hockey UK tournament in Kirkcaldy the Venom were only beaten three times : by the English Champions and the Northern Division winners twice.
The season was masterminded by the coaching team of Ian Holden, Mike Washburn, Martin Price and Mark Hazlehurst.
Now all that remains of the season is the Telford Tournament at the beginning of June where the Venom will be defending their title.
