Westholme U13 Boys Shine at North West Tier 2 Tournament

On Tuesday 3rd March, Westholme travelled to The Grange School in Northwich to compete in the North West Tier 2 U13 Boys’ Hockey Tournament. With strong schools from across the region involved, the stage was set for a highly competitive and exciting day of hockey.

Westholme were drawn in Pool B alongside Wilmslow, St Bede’s and Cheadle Hulme, while Pool A featured The Grange, Bishop Heber, Wellington and Birkenhead.

Westholme opened their campaign against Wilmslow in a thrilling, high-tempo contest. Chances flowed at both ends, with Westholme creating numerous opportunities through sharp passing and intelligent movement. However, an outstanding Wilmslow goalkeeper produced a string of superb saves to keep them at bay. Despite Westholme’s dominance in spells, Wilmslow edged the match 1–0 in what was an entertaining and closely fought encounter.

Next up was Cheadle Hulme, who had made an impressive start to the tournament. Recognising the need to be bold, Westholme adjusted their formation to adopt a more attacking shape and it paid dividends. In another end-to-end match, Westholme struck twice with two superbly worked team goals, highlighting their creativity and composure in front of goal. Cheadle Hulme responded strongly, but disciplined defending and confident goalkeeping secured an excellent 2–0 victory.

With the group incredibly tight and every team recording wins, the final pool match against St Bede’s carried significant importance. The boys produced a determined and mature performance, battling for every ball in a competitive fixture. Their efforts ensured progression to the semi-finals on goal difference a tremendous achievement in such a closely contested pool.

In the semi-final, Westholme faced Pool A winners Wellington School, who had been dominant throughout the day. Undeterred by their opponents’ record, Westholme delivered arguably their strongest performance of the tournament. They matched Wellington’s intensity, created several promising chances and defended resolutely.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, thanks in part to outstanding goalkeeping at both ends the match finished 0–0, sending it to a penalty shootout.

What followed was a tense and dramatic finale. Both teams showed composure from the spot, and the goalkeepers continued to shine with crucial saves. In the end, Wellington narrowly edged the shootout 2–1, bringing Westholme’s hopes of reaching the final to a heartbreaking close.

Determined to finish strongly, Westholme regrouped quickly for the third-place play-off against Bishop Heber. Once again, the boys competed with tremendous spirit and organisation. Despite another disciplined display, Bishop Heber managed to secure a narrow 1–0 victory, leaving Westholme with a highly commendable fourth-place finish overall.

Played in glorious weather, the tournament showcased an excellent standard of hockey across the region. Westholme demonstrated that they can compete confidently against some of the strongest schools in the North West, combining determination, teamwork and skill throughout the day.

Just as importantly, the boys represented the school superbly. Their sportsmanship, positive attitudes and resilience, in both victory and defeat, were a credit to themselves and to the school.

Boys’ hockey at Westholme clearly has enormous potential, with a talented and enthusiastic group continuing to develop and push standards higher. Well done.

Thanks again to Jez from Clitheroe, Blackburn and Northern hockey club for the support he gave the boys through coaching and umpiring throughout the day, we fully appreciate all that you and the club do to support the development of hockey in the school.