Recently our U18 boys and girls travelled to Tilburg in Holland for outdoor training and matches against Were Di Hockey Club.
It was our first venture to Tilburg and our hosts were excellent. With training in the morning and afternoon, followed by matches in the evening, it was a packed schedule and the second day was challenging with a torrential downpour greeting us in the morning! However, we had some really good matches and one of the highlights was the girls ‘guesting’ for the boys in their matches and performing very creditably.
The final morning saw a mixed mini-tournament with some of the hosts’ younger boys who were inspired by our older boys and girls. The last afternoon saw us go to the top club match in Holland that day in the Hoofdeklasse between the top two sides, Pinoche and Oranje Rood, quite possibly the two strongest club sides in the world at present. After a cagey first half, it exploded into life and was a great way to conclude our trip.
The boys and girls behaved impeccably and were great ambassadors for the school, with Were Di HC asking us to return next year. Finally, thanks to the staff who joined us and a massive thanks to Mr Kefford for his herculean efforts in organising what was an extremely enjoyable trip.
