National Cup Run Continues For Our Hockey Boys

Our 1st XI hockey boys helped put the smile back on Bablake faces with their thrilling win against Taunton's Richard Huish Sixth Form College in Round 4 of the National Plate yesterday.

Hearts were in the mouths of Bablake players and spectators alike when, with just 45 seconds left in the game, our opponents attacked with a man free. The shot from our gallant opponents looped over outstanding Bablake goalkeeper Chris Blackett and seemed destined for the back of the net. However, the reassuring clatter of the ball hitting the metal upright of the goal broke the hearts of the Richard Huish Sixth Form College side instead. As the ball cannoned off to safety, the final whistle brought open play in this pulsating cup tie to a close.

Behind at the break to a penalty flick, Bablake had levelled in the second half thanks to a commanding reverse sweep strike from Cameron Park from the edge of the D. Soon after, Bablake then hit the upright and both keepers made a series of outstanding saves in a pulsating second half, before the game moved to penalty flicks. 

Master in charge of Boys' Hockey Mr Andrew Phillips rallied his players for the penalty flicks, stressing the importance of decisive, positive action. Captain Tom Betts, first to the penalty spot, was thwarted, but the first three Richard Huish Sixth Form College players were unable to outwit Chris Blackett in our goal. Meanwhile Julian Wreford and Brad McKenzie- Quinn proved fearless from the spot. This left goalscorer Cameron Park with the chance to win the game for Bablake. Without any sign of nerves, he slotted home and disappeared beneath his exuberant team-mates.

Bablake's impressive, inspiring journey in the National Plate therefore moves to the Quarter-Finals. We await definite news of our opponents, but we are more or less guaranteed home advantage once again!