North Stafford Hockey Club Boys u18s became Tier 2 National Cup Champions last Sunday following a 4-2 win against Eastbourne. A hattrick from Dan Read helped the side to silverware in the final at Nottingham Hockey Centre, their second national title in two years.
Last year the Boys u18s became Tier 2 National Plate Champions, the first ever junior national title for the club formed in 1911. North Stafford did not have to wait long though for a second, as twelve months later they replicated that success at a higher level.

Both the semi-final and quarter-final had been decided on penalty strokes against Olton & West Warwick and Bowdon respectively, but the lottery of a shootout was not needed here. A strong travelling support made their way down the A50 to support the boys, and they were rewarded early on as Read opened the scoring in the fourth minute from a short corner, rifling home at the second attempt after his initial flick was blocked.

Led by captain Piers Copeland, who had celebrated his 18th birthday the previous day, the side continued to start strongly and both Oli Power and Tom Statham had good early openings. Eastbourne, who favoured a direct game with aerials as their main outlet, created chances of their own and equalised from a short corner through captain Guy Moore in the 15th minute.

The south-coast side continued to probe, and goalkeeper George Jenkins had to be alert to make a series of smart saves to deny the side in yellow. North Stafford though continued to look the more threatening side, driven forward by the ball carrying skills of Jack Royall through midfield, who cleverly carved out several openings.

Despite this there were no further first half goals and the game was tensely poised at 1-1 at the interval, with North Stafford left to rue a number of missed chances and fine saves from the Eastbourne keeper.

North Stafford started the second half quickly, and four minutes into the second half they were ahead again. A brilliant run down the left hand side from Royall won a short corner and Read duly converted to send the crowd into raptures.

Jake Maddock and Nat Yerbury continued to provide energy in the heart of midfield, the former consistently breaking up play. North Staffs continued to play some excellent flowing hockey, none more so than an incisive move that was almost converted by Angus Fuller at the back post.

Like all finals, this proved a feisty and competitive affair and both sides received cards in the second half. At one stage, North Stafford were temporarily reduced to nine, whilst Eastbourne also received three cards of their own.

In the 56th minute the fourth goal of the game arrived, and it fell to North Stafford, Power drilling home a trademark reverse stick finish from an acute angle to make it 3-1.
Seven minutes later Read completed his hattrick, again from a short corner, and at 4-1 with seven minutes remaining the trophy seemed destined to be returning to North Staffordshire.

Eastbourne to their credit fought back and in the 66th minute they made it 4-2 through Ollie Loach, adding a sense of tension and drama to the closing minutes. Two further short corners followed for Eastbourne, both saved by Jenkins and the side in yellow piled on the pressure in the closing minutes.

It was too little, too late though and the final whistle sounded, signaling a second national title in two years and an incredible achievement for the side, for whom many this was their last game of junior hockey.

Head of Junior Hockey, Dave Washington, commented: “Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of each and every one of the boys. Their team spirit, quality as hockey players and integrity as young people is incredible. They are all a real credit to the club.

“To win two national titles in two years is a phenomenal achievement and shows the strength of our junior section. We’re very proud of our junior section and we will be aiming to replicate these successes with other age groups in the future.”