Alderley Edge Hockey Club became Under 21 Cheshire Champions at the weekend. Despite injuries to key players, Alderley could still field a strong team even though the oldest player was still only 17.

In the group stages, Alderley started slowly and could only manage 0 – 0 and 1 – 1 draws in the first two games against Triton and Chester, with Henry Capper scoring the only goal.

Some initial changes from Manager Mark Sims resulted in two excellent victories, 2 – 0 against Timperley (Warburton and Walton scoring) and 2 – 1 against Winnington Park with James Warburton scoring both goals.

Being the group winners, a tired team faced hosts Deeside in the final and fell behind to an early goal. Eventually Alderley equalised from a James Warburton penalty. The game tied and went into the dreaded 'penalties', which after the initial five penalties, the score was 4 – 4. On to 'sudden death' and after an agonising six further penalties, Alderley keeper, Oli Kennon, made the winning save. The Alderley support was excellent and a tremendous victory for such a young side.

The victorious team being, Oli Kennon, Tom McGrath, Joe Bryant, Jonathan Baker-Brian, Tom Sibley, Chris Baker-Brian, James Warburton, Sam Gregory, Oli Walton, Henry Capper and Alex Hall. Special congratulations to Manager Mark Sims.