The U16 Boys squad travelled back up the road to Edinburgh to play their return U16 Boys East District Development League fixture against Inverleith Hockey Club on Sunday 8th February.

At the newly laid astro turf pitches on East Fettes Avenue our players came out of the blocks at the start of the first quarter firing on all cylinders. Taking the opportunity to perhaps catch our opposition off guard we scored four unanswered goals in the opening 15 minute period. Two goals from Chris Alton, one for Flynn Pennington and a first U16 Boys goal for our U13 forward Noah Patterson.

There was not much to convey from the coaches at the first break being 4-0 up, as the attacking and defensive displays were excellent. However we knew we were not going to have it all our own way and so that transpired with no goals scored in the second quarter. There were opportunities at both ends of the pitch with Inverleith coming back into the match.

Having a comfortable lead going in at half-time we looked to rotate players into different positions across the pitch. Whilst this might have disrupted our flow a little bit it was important to try players in different roles and areas of play. The third quarter remained goalless and the game was certainly more even across the two teams.

Heading into the final 15 minutes you got the sense that Inverleith were keen to find the back of the net and eventually their pressure told. This may have brought our players back to life as it was not long before the returning Myles Whiteside scored to restore the four goal cushion.

Finishing 5-1 to Kelso and returning another three points it was a solid all round performance from our squad with some great, structured hockey being played out in front of the watching crowd.

Our younger squad members travel to Glasgow this weekend to represent Kelso HC in the U14 Scottish Club Cup … good luck lads!

And our final three league fixtures are all now in March, with Kelso hosting Grange HC on Sunday 1st March at Kelso High School.

KHC U16 Boys Team vs Inverleith Hockey Club: C. Alton; M. Banks (GK); M. Banks; R. Fleming; T. Grant; F. Gray; A. Little; O. McIntyre; J. Moir; N. Patterson; R. Patterson; F. Pennington; A. Scott; M. Whiteside; J. Wilson (Capt.).