Ardingly College 1st XI Boys are County Under 18 Hockey Champions

Ardingly College 1st XI Hockey team won the County Under 18 Cup on Thursday 20th March, defeating Hurst in a thrilling final. Upper Sixth student Seb Masters from Lindfield is also celebrating playing in the College’s three successive title wins.
Ardingly u18sArdingly u18s
Ardingly u18s

In a tight game played at Hurst, Ardingly fell behind when Hurst converted a short corner after 20 minutes. Despite winning numerous short corners themselves in the first half, Ardingly could not find a way past the Hurst defence. However, the boys defended resolutely, led from the back by Sam Cooper and Matt Price. In the second half with only five minutes remaining, a huge aerial downfield by vice-captain Richard Bartlett found captain Will Godfrey who finished expertly with a reverse stick hit from a narrow angle. Hurst responded immediately and missed a great chance to win the game but Ardingly held out and the game went to penalty strokes.

The decisive moment in the shootout came when Tim Finnerty saved Hurst’s second penalty with a combination of his helmet and glove and the cool heads of Jack Haydon, Richard Bartlett, Will Godfrey, Michael Makepeace and then, finally, Seb Masters, meant Ardingly prevailed 5-4 (with everyone scoring their penalty) to win the game!

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Ardingly College’ s Head of Hockey and former England player, James Stedman, said: “Winning the County Under 18 title in 2012 and 2013 gave hockey at Ardingly such a lift and a third win makes this year’s success very special. I am delighted for the boys who have worked so hard and improved immeasurably this season. With the Under 15 boys also County Champions the future is looking very encouraging.”

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