Rover Oxford 11th Youth Hockey Festival – Press Report
26th/27th April 2003 at Tilsley Park

Rover Oxford’s ever popular festival of youth hockey took place over the week-end at Tilsley Park with 63 teams taking part – the largest number of entries in the history of the tournament.

On Saturday, the youngest of the age groups competed in a 7 a side competition with the local teams faring well. Teddington beat Bicester in the U8 tournament whilst Oxford Hawks lifted the U10 trophy beating Aylesbury in the final after a penalty shoot out. In the U12 competition, another penalty shoot-out decided the winner with Banbridge Academy from Northern Ireland beating Cheltenham 3-2 after some high quality hockey ended in a 0-0 stalemate at full time.

On the Sunday, Cheltenham won all three of Sunday tournaments for the second year running. In the morning they started by beating Marlborough 3-0 in the U14 final. Rover Oxford and City of Oxford took the 3rd and 4th places. In the afternoon, the U16 girls were given a run for their money by a young West Witney side but Cheltenham eventually won by a solitary goal in a closely fought final. The boys U16 competition was fiercely competitive with three of the ten teams outstanding: Old Southendians, Cheltenham and Eastcote. However, Cheltenham overcame the visitors from Southend to set up an epic final with Eastcote. The final was of an exceptionally high standard with both teams creating chances. Only some excellent defending and brilliant goalkeeping kept both sides out and the game finished 0-0. It was Cheltenham again who held their nerve winning the penalty shoot-out 2-1.

FINAL RESULTS
Under 8: Teddington 3, Bicester 0
Under 10: Oxford Hawks 3, Aylesbury 1 (pens, 0-0 at full time)
Under 12: Banbridge Academy 3, Cheltenham 2 (pens, 0-0 at full time)
Under 14 Boys: Cheltenham 3, Marlborough 0
Under 16 Girls: Cheltenham 1, West Witney 0
Under 16 Boys: Cheltenham 2, Eastcote 1 (pens, 0-0 at full time)