In the first pool game, the boys saw off Watsonians with a brilliant display of indoor hockey. The boys stuck to the game plan and played with a high tempo that Watsonians could not match. The boys moved the ball really well creating a heap of chances. Owen Hutchison was a constant threat in front of goal. The breakthrough came when some great team pressing led to a turnover and 3 passes later the ball was buried in the bottom corner by Alistair Clark. Watsonians fought hard, but the boys defended harder. Brendan Hawley making some fantastic saves to secure the all important clean sheet. The game was wrapped up with a well taken short corner routine finished off by Findlay Duncan. 3 points in the bag.

Watsonians drew their other pool game with Gordonians 2-2. With this, the boys knew a draw would be enough to send them into the Final. The Hill don’t play to draw. The boys were ruthless and continued with a high tempo on and off the ball to put 4 unanswered goals past the Aberdeen club. John Donald wasn’t letting anything past him in this game and was setting the temp with some first class distribution. Scott Fraser stepped up to the challenge and put in a composed and disciplined display. Ollie Hall set the Hall alight with a blistering Hat-trick which was rounded off with a stunning finish from the baseline. Alfie Bonnar got in on the act with a lovely spin and flick into the far corner late on. On to the next one…

The Final. The Hill versus Inverleith. Both teams served up a great spectacle with some scintillating indoor hockey. Inverleith struck first from the penalty spot after Ollie Cooper had saved the ball bravely on the line with his body. 1-0. Findlay Duncan replied with an individual goal of the highest quality, finding his way through the Inverleith defence along the baseline, cutting inside and placing the ball past the on rushing goalkeeper with a cute reverse stick finish. 1-1. Into the second half and the boys were resolute in their defensive shape and causing the Edinburgh side problems in attack. Murdo Kiddie saved his best performance for the final and raced on to a long ball down the boards evading the last defender and meeting the ball with a first time finish low past the goalkeeper. 2-1. The Hill fans in the stands went wild! Inverleith pressed hard, really hard but the boys fought them off time and time again. Finlay Ross making vital saves to keep The Hill ahead. However, with only 40 seconds left on the clock, Inverleith found a way through. A right sided attack led to a cut back from the baseline which was finished off by the Inverleith striker. A cruel blow, but that’s indoor hockey. 2-2. Penalty Shootout.

Unfortunately the boys fell short this time. The Inverleith goalkeeper saved Penalty one and two whilst the Inverleith strikers scored their first two. Game over. Gutted.

The boys were outstanding throughout their journey to the Scottish Cup final and this team will only get better. A team mainly consisting of 15 and 16 year olds means 75% of this team will be eligible to play again next year. They can be proud of what they achieved this year. Their disappointment will fuel their motivation when indoor comes around again next winter. They will be back and they will go one better next season and come home with a gold medal around their necks, not a silver. Awa’ The Hill!