Horsley C of E (Aided) Primary School’s Quicksticks Hockey team is celebrating their recent success at the County Championship Quicksticks Hockey finals held at Cheltenham Ladies College.

Having fielded two teams for the earlier District Finals Tournament, The Hawks and The Hornets, it was the former who played their way to victory.

Many of the players were new to the game and had only been playing for a few weeks.

Despite being rather nervous they were also excited and committed and gained in confidence as they progressed, undefeated, through to the finals on March 5th.

It was a tense golden goal win followed by an even more tense come back from two goals down to win 3:2 that clinched the District Championship for the second year running and a chance to compete for the title of County Champions.

Despite some tough opposition they came top of their group with 4 wins and maximum points. As group winners they then had to fight it out for the top four places.

The semi-final match was against local rivals Chalford Hill, the team they had narrowly beaten to win the District title. Knowing that a win would assure them of a medal, Horsley delivered a crushing 4:0 victory to gain their place in the final against Bourton on the Water.

It was a closely fought match but Horsley played with skill and determination in a real nail biter to win 2:1 and take the title of Gloucestershire County Champions.

An independent club coach observed that Horsley played very well as a team, with lots of skill, but also with consideration and generosity to each other, and respect to their opponents.

Quicksticks Hockey is a nationwide organisation designed to introduce children aged 7 to 11 years to the game of hockey.

Quicksticks teams are 4-a-side and can be played on any surface using a larger, lighter and safer ball. It is a fun, fast, safe and exciting game that has been designed so that anyone can get involved regardless of previous hockey experience.