A total of 44 boys made the annual boys hockey tour to Oxford for the 20th year. The group consisted of 4 Academy sides competing against the cream of English hockey at U12 and U14 levels.

The boys played some exceptional hockey under the guidance of Coach Walker and ran out 2-0 winners in a tense U14 final played in  warm conditions. The U14B side too gave their all getting to the quarter finals, with the U12A and B sides also exiting at the quarter final stage to strong opponents Cheltenham and Oxford HC.

The link, started years ago by Mr Richard Jess, saw a beautiful watercolour presented to the Academy staff as a celebration of 20 years of friendship-excellent hockey and a positive experience for hundreds of pupils over its twenty year period. Mr Cordner, Master in Charge returned the gesture with a dual shirt presentation to Oxford HC to commemorate the significant milestone with Irish Internationals and indeed Olympians having first tasted the mainland opposition with their tours to Oxford thanks to Mr Jess and his colleagues at Oxford HC.

The boys applied themselves well to the tour, enjoying no less than 5 games and taking in the sights of Oxford. Our thanks to Gareth Matthews, Mr Walker, Mr Stewart and tour organiser Mr Cordner for giving up their time to oversee the trip.