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Another glorious chapter in the Hitchin U8s story was written at Top Field on Sunday as the Hurricanes recovered from a sluggish start to beat a brave Elsenham challenge and win the inaugural Hitchin Soccer Sevens U8s tournament.
Basing their strategy on the Italy/Germany model of starting tournaments slowly and then building momentum, the Hurricanes looked well off the pace in the first few games. Whether it was the early start, the unfamiliar surroundings or in Patrick’s case that he was simply so excited that he had completely worn himself out, they looked a shadow of the team that had performed so well since Christmas as they laboured to a win against FC Comets, lost to Potters Bar and drew with Letchworth Yellows. But a convincing 3-0 over Elsenham set them up for a quarter final against Hadrian United and they recorded an amazing 9-0 win in 14 minutes, a tournament record.
A re-match with Potters Bar saw them squeeze home thanks to Joel’s smart finish and they had another re-match in the final against surprise package, Elsenham. After emerging from the tunnel led by the referee and enjoying a Champions League-style presentation to the crowd, the match kicked off. It was a tense, even affair. Joel put Hitchin 1-0 up in the first half but just before half-time, Elsenham equalised. William restored the lead just after half-time and after 7 further minutes of unbearable tension, the whistle blew and Hitchin had claimed their second trophy in 12 months.
With 17 goals scored (more than any other team in the tournament) and only 3 conceded, it was a great team effort and a fitting end to a season of progress. Congratulations to players, coaches (and the supporters, who kicked every ball).
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