Hockey festival at St Columb’s Park

The children being part of a cultural and language programme got in touch with the club through St Columb’s Park Leisure Centre which features an astroturf pitch which facilitates hockey.

The intensive five day package followed soon after and their new learned skills was put into practice and relevance with a match against the club’s own junior side and the game brought out much tenacity and teamwork from the tourists and which had a wonderful international atmosphere.

Parents and supporters filed in to soak up the game and cheer on the home side.

From the start the Foyle team appeared more organised and after sustained pressure and possession E Ball opened the account on seven minutes.

Spain soon found a suitable reply to equalise minutes later after a saved rebound off brave keeper E Price. Spain piled on the pressure on their younger Foyle opponents with super tackling and tough challenges and turnovers which kept Price very busy with B Leaf, M Phillips and L Tomasius shepherding the rebounds to safety for respite.

After the break subs J Sandrey and J Robb defended well and showed good vision in releasing the forwards E Ball and D Robb many times to counter and after gaining ground E Price featured yet again with an anticipating run to receive a lay-off pass hold his ground and score to take the lead again.

However this came at a cost Price sustaining an injury from a strong but fair challenge from a Spanish defender. Step forward the very able replacement Bosco Leaf who together with colleagues got stronger from further waves of attack by Spain who just couldn’t find the finish they needed, and much to the relief of parents and supporters!

In the last few minutes though Meabh Phillips linked well with Jack Robb who found his brother Darren with a silky pass who in turn demonstrated skill and footwork in evading two challenges and managed to steady himself to squeeze his shot inside the near post to seal the victory 3-1 for the young Derry team.

The match finished with customary cheers of respect and shaking of hands led by respective coaches A Arias and Alan McCague which was followed by presentations of medals and a cup trophy to mark this unique occasion.