On Tuesday 7th February the U13 boys hockey team travelled to Southampton for the Hampshire hockey festival. In a strong group of 5, TIFS made a positive start to the tournament with a convincing 2-0 win over Ballard school. They continued to stamp their dominance with a great 4-0 win over Portsmouth Grammar School, with an early goal from Herbie CH and a hatrick from Cian SB. Next, they came up against a well drilled Thornden side, who handed the boys their first defeat of the day with a 2-0 loss. The final group match saw TIFS play the only other island team, Ryde private. Both teams played well with TIFS coming out on top with a late goal to secure a 1-0 win.

Finishing 2nd in group A meant playing the winner of group B which came in the form of Embley Park. The semi-final match up was a competitive one with the TIFS team going a goal up early, before Embley drew level. A last minute attack saw Arthur W scoring a calm and collected goal to take us into the final.

The last match of the day saw TIFS face off against the same well drilled Thornden side that they had encountered in the group stage. Despite our boys taking an early lead, Thornden drew level from a short corner bringing the game back to level. With mere minutes to go Thornden won a well worked penalty flick, which they converted, and saw them crowned the overall winners.

A positive day with an impressive display from all the boys who thoroughly earned their runners up medals. Mr Cole was very pleased with their effort and teamwork, well done all!