IPSWICH was well represented amongst the east region's new Saxon Tigers teams in England Hockey's new Futures Cup.

Stuart Watson

IPSWICH was well represented amongst the east region's new Saxon Tigers teams in England Hockey's new Futures Cup.

The catchment for this team, which encompasses a large section of the south east of the country, is now bigger under England Hockey's new single system changes.

Despite this though, no fewer than five Ipswich School players represented Saxon Tigers at Under-18 and U16 level during the October half term.

Harry Martin and Josh Godfrey (Boys' U18), Sarah Glanvill (Girls' U18) and Jonny Gall and Jamie Bowden (Boys' U16) all travelled to Cannock Hockey Club in Staffordshire to take part in this prestigious event.

The boys' U16 side won their competition, narrowly beating the Wessex Leopards on goal difference.

In the U18 girls' competition, the Tigers found the going rather tough and only really played to their true potential in the final match when they comfortably beat the Pennine Pumas 2-0 to win third place.

The final match of the tournament saw the Saxon Tigers U18 boys take on the Pennine Pumas. The two sides had already encountered each other on the first day of the tournament when the Pumas ran out 2-0 winners.

“It was a different story in the final”, said Ipswich School hockey coach Steve Godfrey. “The Tigers defended resolutely and gradually gained dominance.”

Unfortunately Harry Martin was injured early on and had to watch from the bench.

“In the second half, the Tigers built up a 3-0 lead, with Ipswich School's Josh Godfrey scoring one of the goals and they restricted the Pumas to a single consolation goal right on the final whistle.

“All five Ipswich School students played a full part in their teams' performances and they can be pleased with their efforts.

“We are already looking forward to next year in the hope that we can get more of our talented girls and boys into teams for this competition.”