It’s all about peaking at the right moment.

It’s hasn’t been an easy season for the under 10 boys. With a number of tournaments cancelled due to bad weather over Christmas, the team hadn’t had a competitive game for over 4 months going into the Essex championship. But with their strongest side available for the first time, and coach Rory in the dugout, the boys produced an outstanding performance, winning every match to claim the trophy.

In the first game against Chelmsford, goalkeeper Milo produced an outstanding save to keep the score level and a 0-0 finish looked inevitable. But then in the final moments of the match, ‘defender’ Rico roared through the opposition defence and finished calmly to give the boys an opening win.

You could see the team growing in confidence in their second game, a grudge match against local rivals Old Loughtonians. Kai and Richard played with growing fluency and Sam scored the winning goal in another 1-0 victory. Excellent defensive work from Rowan and Seb helped to claim another clean sheet.

In the third game against a strong Upminster side, the boys conceded their first goal of the day after only 10 seconds and it looks as though the tide was going to turn. But then suddenly the team began to grow, moving the ball beautifully and dominating the rest of the match. Rico scored the equaliser and then Richard gave Crostyx the lead, before Rico added another for good measure. A 3-1 victory and suddenly the boys could dream of a trip to East Anglia in April.

In the final match against Waltham Forest, the team were outstanding, playing with freedom and real confidence. Payton capped a brilliant day by getting the first goal following an outrageous run from Sam. Kai was dominating the midfield and set up Sam for the second goal before Rico added the third for his 4th goal of the day from right back. Total hockey.

Best of all, the boys were sporting and humble in victory and played as a team. A brilliant all round performance and we look forward to the next round. And as Milo said afterwards as he emerged from the prison of the goalkeeping helmet: ‘This is the best team we’ve ever had!’

Results
Crostyx 1 – 0 Chelmsford
Crostyx 1 – 0 Old Loughtonians
Crostyx 3 – 1 Upminster
Crostyx 3 – 0 Waltham Forest

Thank you to all of the parents and coaches that have supported the team throughout the season, particularly Donna, Rory, Izzy, Scott and Alfie.