FOLLOWING a blistering performance, the Abergavenny Hockey Club U13 boys section were crowned Welsh Champions at the Wrexham Finals.
First up were Dysynni who from the off attacked and Aber very quickly found themselves 2-0 down.
The boys managed to stabilise and made it to half time without conceding any more goals.
Following a team talk, Aber came out invigorated for the second half and were determined to give it some stick.
They started strong and took the game right back to Dysynni. Two goals quickly came from Hollis McGlynn and Fred Oubridge Brock and Aber began to produce the passing game they play so well.
With the score now at 2-2 Aber remained in control and Elis Mostyn and Archie Oubridge Brock netted to bring home a 2-4 victory.
Next up was another strong side who had won the North Wales finals - Wrexham. Again the boys had a slow start and yet again found themselves a goal down. Undeterred they kept their heads up and Elis Mostyn managed to equalise.
The game flowed from end to end and chances were created by both sides but Wrexham were the first to capitalise and break the deadlock.
Abergavenny surged on and Elis Mostyn scored again to enable the team to go in at half time 2-2. After another rousing team talk they took to the field to look for the win.
The game continued in the same vein as earlier with play flowing end to end but Archie Oubridge Brock connected with a well timed pass from Hollis McGlynn to score the winner. With minutes remaining the coaches made a tactical switch moving Elis Mostyn back into defence. This switch strengthened the defence even further enabling Abergavenny to withstand Wrexham pressure and secure the 2-3 victory.
The whole season now hung on one last game against old rivals Whitchurch. It was a winner take all situation. After their defeat the previous week Whitchurch started strong and yet again Abergavenny found themselves 1-0 down.
The boys galvanised themselves and managed to keep Whitchurch at bay until half time. Despite tired legs, Aber came out determined to give it all they had for the final 10 minutes. They started strong but were unlucky to concede another goal to Whitchurch.
knowing it could all come down to goal difference, Aber threw everything into pushing forward. With the hockey then starting to flow they were rewarded with Elis Mostyn connecting to score a deserved goal. With the siren already gone to signal the end of the game Whitchurch had already been awarded a short corner which had to be taken.
Abergavenny threw everything at them, including their bodies, to prevent a further score. After deflecting the first corner, another was awarded for a foot foul and this added to the tension.
Resolutely Abergavenny's line was not to be crossed and the boys flung themselves out again to block and clear the ball with a final score of 2-1 to Whitchurch.
Now came the maths. After consultation with the officials it was possible Abergavenny had sneaked it on goal difference. The boys were unaware of this and thought they had come second.
At the end of match presentation the delight on the Aber players' faces was evident as it dawned on them that Whitchurch had been named second. After congratulating each other they then collected their winners medals and as captains, Hollis McGlynn and Elis Mostyn gratefully accepted the trophy on behalf of the Abergavenny team of Alex Kennett, Tom Lane, Taliesin Martin, Alex Francis, Archie and Fred Oubridge Brock, George Rice, Hollis McGlynn and Elis Mostyn.