U13S CLINCH LEAGUE!
05.03.06

"Who needs Mourinho, we've got Paul Wiseyo" was the chorus echoing from OA's sports ground this week as Harpenden HC maintained their unbeaten run to claim the Herts U13s Junior League title.

In their final league game of the season Harps faced a strong Broxbourne outfit boasting a number of county players. The significance of the match clearly affected Harps as they started in untypical nervy fashion. Despite all their early pressure the visitors failed to find the net thanks to some brave defending from Barney Walker and Bryony Floyd and Harps gradually became more competitive as the game moved on. With the game goalless at half time, Coach Wise urged his players to put the ball out to the flanks to their pacey wingers and away from the skillful Broxbourne central midfielders.

Midway through the second half, Alex Beggs produced some excellent stickwork on the left wing to lose his marker and square to top scorer Alex Radgman to finish clinically from close range. Harps then went onto increase their advantage with a well placed flick by Captain Joe Gosling. Harps continued to dominate and could of increased their lead further but for some fine saves by the imposing Broxbourne keeper. However, a brief lapse in concentration by the Harps defence gifted Broxbourne a goal and gave them hope of at least a draw. In the next few frenetic minutes Harps keeper, Adam Tilcock, made an outstanding save in a "one-on-one" situation to protect the home team's lead. Moments later, Harps launched a breakaway attack and Alex Radgaman finished the move with a cool push to put the Harps win and league champion status beong doubt.

After the game overjoyed Harps skipper, Joe Gosling commented "It's been a great team effort, we've trained hard for this and credit goes to the whole of the u13s squad"

Champions!

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