THE Mixed Trophy Competition is is one of the most popular competitions that England Hockey run, with 120 teams entering this year.
After many years of trying to reach the finals, and on a few occasions coming close, Eastcote where ecstatic to have at last reached the semi-finals.
The last four in the competition played off a semi and finals games over a weekend in Manchester.
Eastcote had drawn Spencer in the semi-finals, which appeared to be the best draw, avoiding the two stronger sides, Staines and Cannock.
The team travelled to Manchester in a optimistic mood, hoping for some silverware, and maybe creating a first in English hockey history; in as much Eastcote were fielding a family affair for the finals, as Josie Spencer-Pell was playing with both her parents Kim and Mike.
Eastcote started the semi-final game against Specer from Wandsworth slowly, and were nervous for most of the first half, looking as if the big occasion had got to them.
Spencer on the other hand seemed not to be effected. After 14 minutes of play Eastcote conceded an unfortunate goal, which seemed to finally get them going.
The second half was a more equal affair, with Eastcote pushing for the equaliser. Unfortunately this led to them conceding another sloppy goal after 44 minutes from which they did not recover, the end result being a 2-0 defeat.
Sunday's play off for third and fourth place place saw a relaxed and composed Eastcote team take on Staines.
They started the game in an attacking mood, which paid off, when the scoring was opened by Irene Hall after 12 minutes.
They then scored a second goal a minute into the second half, with some good work by the whole team, which ended up with a defence splitting pass from James O'Shea through to Tracy Gustad who scored with finesse.
Staines, to their credit, continued to battle and only some great defending particularlybyTu-Vi Ta and some excel-lent saves by Mark Welsh kept preserved the two goal lead.
This was cut back to 2-1 after 55 minutes, making for a tense remainder of the game.
Eastcote's victory and third place in a national cup competition was sealed with a well deserved goal from James O'Shea to make sure of a spirited 3-1 victory.
