On a long and wet afternoon in Hertford, the U12 boys showed skill and persistence, securing 2 wins and 2 draws from 5 games.

The opening tie against Old Loughts was a tense affair, remaining goalless until the final few minutes when Kai set up Rico for a brilliant opening goal from the edge of the D. Miles and Sam combined to make a dramatic goal-line clearance with seconds remaining before Sam set up Rico for another as the team got off to a winning start.

In the next game against a strong Hertford side, the team fell behind but then showed real character to mount a strong comeback. Jack won the ball back high up the pitch, playing in Rico who slipped the ball through to Payton for the equaliser. An end to end tussle following but tough defending from Seb and Kai ensured that the game ended in a deserved draw.

Frustration followed as the team missed a succession of chance despite dominating against Saffron Walden. Kai eventually set up Rico for the opening goal but an equaliser quickly followed. Then Robert played in Rico who did brilliantly to evade the goalkeeper but saw his shot come back off the post; another draw. Against Chelmsford, some creative umpiring and poor concentration saw the team fall two goals behind, before a strong finish saw Sam set up Rico for another goal, but it was not enough to avoid a first defeat of the season.

With the rain now heavy and horizontal, the final game against Bishops Stortford would define the afternoon, and the team saved the best for last, linking up well to dominate against tough opponents. Sam scored the opener after a solo run and then Kai and Payton provided assists for the second and third goals as Sam completed a hat trick. Miles made some great saves to secure a second clean sheet on a brilliant goalkeeping debut.

A great team effort secured some excellent results with goals and assists from all over the team and flashes of fluid passing hockey. Thanks to Scott for overcoming a hangover and some horrible weather conditions to support the team on another successful afternoon.

Results
Crostyx 2-0 Old Loughts (Goals: Rico 2; Assists: Sam, Kai)
Crostyx 1-1 Hertford (Goal: Payton; Assist: Jack/Rico)
Crostyx 1-1 Saffron Walden (Goal: Rico; Assist: Kai)
Crostyx 1-2 Chelmsford (Goal: Rico; Assist: Sam)
Crostyx 3-0 Bishop's Stortford (Goals: Sam 3; Assists: Robert, Kai, Payton)