Spalding Hockey Club hosted the fourth of five primary school tournaments scheduled for this academic year at Glen Park in Surfleet on Friday.
Once again there was a full quota of 20 teams, around 160 youngsters, who basked in the early spring sunshine and thoroughly enjoyed the competition in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
As usual, the teams were divided into four graded leagues - advanced, intermediate and beginner A and B.
Action from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel Cookson
In the advanced league, it was a very close battle for top honours between current holders Tower Road A and tournament three winners Monkshouse.
The game between them ended in a 1-1 draw and each side won their other three games.
However, Monkshouse just pipped Tower Road A on goal difference after wins over Ayscoughfee A (4-1), Gosberton Academy A (3-0) and John Harrox A (4-0).
Action from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel Cookson
St John's, who have made great progress through the season, were impressive in the intermediate league and took the top spot in a very competitive section.
They recorded 2-1 wins over the two Boston-based teams - Tower Road B and St Thomas' A - and drew with Eye Primary (1-1) and Spalding Parish (2-2) to win the league.
Spalding Parish and Eye Primary finished in equal second place with identical records.
Action from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel Cookson
Gosberton Risegate took the top honours in the beginner A league after winning all of their four games without conceding a goal.
The well organised Risegate team recorded 1-0 wins over Tower Road C, St Thomas' B and St Norbert's A while going one better with a 2-0 win over John Harrox B.
Tower Road C took the second spot with three wins.
Action from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel CooksonAction from the fourth of five primary school tournaments organised by Spalding Hockey Club. Photo: Nigel Cookson
It was Surfleet Primary who shone out in the beginner B league.
They were held to a draw (1-1) by St Norbert's B in their opening game but went on to beat Pinchbeck East (3-0), Ayscoughfee B and Gosberton Academy B (both 2-0) to claim the top spot.
St Norbert's B showed a great deal of promise by beating Ayscoughfee B (4-0) and Pinchbeck East (2-0) and drawing with Gosberton Academy B (0-0) and Surfleet Primary to finish in second place.
Thanks to the young umpires from Spalding Hockey Club for officiating. The tournament finals are scheduled for Friday, May 9, at Glen Park.
