Hockey: Under-14 boys heading to England Championship final

First Manx side to compete for a tier 2 trophy

The Isle of Man under-14 boys hockey team have made history as they qualified for the England Hockey Tier 2 Championship final on Sunday (22 March).

A win on shuffles after a 2-2 draw with Oxford Hawks saw the Manx side progress from the semi-final in Oxfordshire.

It is the first time an Island squad has reached a tier two final.

The hosts led 1-0 at halftime after scoring 30 minutes into the match following a counter-attack. 

However, the Manx side were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty stroke early in the second half. 

Bacchas' Ryan Cartwright stepped up and slotted in the equaliser. 

Oxford responded almost immediately with another goal, which restored their lead.

The Islanders refused to back down though and continued to apply pressure. 

Their persistence paid off with 15 minutes remaining, when Ramsey’s Charlie Dormer levelled.

At full time the scores were tied 2-2, which sent the game to shuffles. 

The Manx juniors held their nerve to win the penalties 3-1. 

The Isle of Man under-14 boys will take on Guildford Boys under 14 B in the final.