Handsworth Primary School secured their place at next month’s London Mini Games with victory at Waltham Forest Hockey Club’s annual youth competition.
In February, more than 35 teams from 24 different Primary Schools descended on Peter May Sports Centre for Forest’s tournament only for rain to halt the event.
Last Wednesday, nine sides returned to fight it out for a place at Crystal Palace on April 2.
Among the contenders were 2012 winners Chingford C of E, 2013 victors Greenleaf and newcomers Handsworth and Jenny Hammond.
Handsworth made a winning start with a 3-1 victory thanks to a double from Max Garner and one from Bethany Newbury.
In the semi-final, Handsworth took on Chapel End.
They went ahead through a strike from Louis Hollington and it was 2-0 when Hollington again found the net.
The two goals were enough to book Handsworth’s place in the final where they took on Greenleaf, who were appearing in their third consecutive final.
Handsworth made the perfect start with an early goal from Garner. He then went on to complete a hat-trick and seal the title for his school.
Chapel End finished 2-0 winners in the third-place play-off against Jenny Hammond.
Matt Lovell, who organised the event, said: “Many of the kids from Handsworth and Chapel End have been playing hockey for two or three years now and some of the skills on display were amazing.
“What’s great about the event is that we’ve already seen more than half a dozen new kids from the tournament turn up at Waltham Forest Hockey Club so while the players we see week in, week out may have picked up medals, it’s great it is inspiring the next generation too.”
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