Emil sparkles as Under-12s impress at Ben Rhydding tournament

Halifax Hockey Club Under12s Boys travelled to Ben Rhydding last weekend for their penultimate tournament of the season.

They were in a five-team league and played some great hockeytofinishsecondbehind Leeds Adel, collecting three wins and a defeat.

Game1wasagainstLeedsB, and a breakaway goal by Halifax came courtesy of Richard Hogley’s nice finish.

Despite short corners galore for Leeds there was no way through, with Emil Noot and Toby Egan Brook standing firm, Alex Eastwood clearing the danger to halfway.

There was some great attacking play from Henry Bennett, then super skills in the D byJackGreenwoodandafinish by Toby made the final score 2-0 to Halifax.

The second game was against Adel.

Heavy pressure from Adel called for solid defending by Jaxon Sparkes, Toby and Emil.

A great ball from Jack was followed by a sweet shot by Cole Hewitson Townley but still goalless.

Sustained pressure brought a goal for Adel.

There were silky skills on show from Johnny Tillotson but still 1-0, Halifax pressed for the equaliser and shot narrowly wide but Adel hung on for the win, which could easily have been a draw.

Game three for Halifax was against York.

A solo effort from the halfway line by Jack saw him beat three before he chipped the keeper to make it 1-0.

A last-ditch tackle from Herbie Hurl saved a shot on goal, then four back to back near range saves from Alex kept it at 1-0.

York were putting the pressure on, but Jack with a great through ball set up Henry with asuperfinishtoputHalifax2-0 up.

A last-minute strike made the final score 2-1.

The fourth, and final, game was against Northallerton.

An early chance flew wide from Jack in a good start for Halifax, followed by great defending by Emil again.

A super strike by Jack on the run brought a diving save, and the follow-up by Cole was saved.

Emil then burst from midfield and his effort went just wide.

The 1-0 win was sealed by a runfromthehalfwaylinefrom Jack then a great finish.

All round a great day and some exciting play.

Two Under-10s stepped up and played brilliantly.

Player of the tournament was awarded to Emil.