On Wednesday we played in the IAPS tournament at Fettes. We have been working really hard throughout the term and went into the tournament well prepared. When the draw came out I knew it was going to be a hard group and we were going to have to play some brilliant hockey to get into the semi final.

Our first game was against Strathallan. We really wanted a quick start as to boost our confidence and we got this. We moved the ball really well and was able to break down their defense. There were still a few basic mistakes but we were able to keep our heads and won the game 3-0.

After a short break we came up against Craigclown. Luckily, we had played them earlier in the season and we knew they had two strong boys at the back. We once again had a few basic errors but thankfully our defense was solid enough. It was a bit of a tough game with Craigclowan well drilled but we were able to get a couple of goals. Craigclowan then went on the attack and won a penalty corner which they converted very well. Thankfully we restored our 2 goal lead very quickly and ended up winning 3-1

Our third game was going to be our toughest test so far. We were against St Peters knowing a win would guarantee a place in the semifinal. It was a great game with both coaches giving loads of instructions on the side line trying to find a breakthrough in the game. It was a very evenly matched game with both teams having great chances. St Peters won a penalty corner and it looked set to go into bottom corner but somehow our captain Thabo N pulled off what I think was the save of the tournament reaching out his foot and putting the ball out. This kept the game at 0-0 with a few minutes to go. We then counter attacked with Xander making a great run down the right and giving a fantastic cross for Conrad to first time it into the back of the net. This was a fantastic game and lifted the confidence of the boys hugely. Won 1-0.

Our fourth game of the group was against Belhaven. Already knowing we had qualified I did not want the boys to take their foot off the gas and become complacent. We always have a tough game against Belhaven as they are well organized. Thankfully, we were able to keep that momentum and get a couple goals and end up going through unbeaten in the group. Won 3-0

Going into the semi final we knew if we wanted to qualify for the IAPS Finals down at Charterhouse we needed to beat Fettes. The game again was going to be tough as we had played them earlier in the season and knew they were a good side. Both teams had chances and the Fettes keeper had an absolute blinder having some brilliant saves. We kept on pushing for that goal as we were not keen on it going to golden goal or penalty strokes thankfully Felix U came to the party and score an absolute cracker on his reverse to get us through to the final and the National Finals. Won 1-0

The boys were ecstatic to have made the final and playing against Sedbergh. We played them the day before so once again we had inside knowledge of how they play. The boys were so much more relaxed knowing we Qualified for the Finals so they just went out to enjoy. We had a plan on how to win (not going to give away my secrets) and it went perfectly. Felix and Xander and Charles had an exceptional game in the final and we blew Sedbergh away winning the game 4-0.

It was an excellent day and all the boys played exceptionally well. All the hard work paid off but now we have to continue and work even harder to compete down south. Well done on a great day and thank you to all the parents who came out to support.