Cheltenham Hockey Club just missed out on a unique treble at Olympic Park.

The club’s under-14s had headed to London looking to retain their England Hockey Clubs Championship title and at the same time add to the club’s success on the national stage this campaign.

Those successes had seen the club’s under-16 boys crowned national champions for the first time and the girls’ under-18s win the national plate.

The under-14s were in confident mood as they prepared for their opening pool game against Harrogate.

They started well and were ahead after nine minutes through Theo Bancroft. Harrogate hit back and were level after the break and it required a last-gasp goal from Reuben Fletcher-Louis, who won his tussle on the floor with the opposition goalkeeper, to clinch victory.

The second game saw Cheltenham up against Cambridge City and again they made a bright start with Joel Birchmore converting a penalty corner with a devastating drag flick.

That was to be the only goal of the game which meant that they had to beat Surbiton in their final game to go through to the final as Surbiton had the better goal difference.

However, two goals in the final nine minutes condemned Cheltenham’s braves to defeat and a place in the 3rd/4th play-off.

A bronze medal was up for grabs when they took on Leicester but two goals at the start of the second half left Cheltenham facing an uphill battle.

Birchmore converted a penalty corner but although they hit the post in the closing moments it was not to be for Cheltenham.

The club’s youth development officer Phil Robson refused to be downhearted however.

“This was a very good Cheltenham squad who gave their all,” he said.

“The boys should not be disappointed with their performance as these tournaments are often decided at the margins. 

“They have played well throughout the season, not losing until their match against Surbiton.

“I hope that those still within this age group next season will be back to try to regain the title. 

“Those moving on to the under-16s will re-join the boys with whom they won the cup last year and will be seeking to retain the under-16 cup. 

“The town of Cheltenham should be proud of the talented boys and girls who play hockey for its schools and clubs, and contribute massively to Gloucestershire and regional squads.”