The U21 team went into the World Championships with high expectations following a string of top three finishes in the international competitions leading up to the championships. But could this form be converted into a gold medal at the worlds?

Having been dealt a difficult first round group, containing European Silver Medallists Germany and hosts Canada, GB knew that it would require some good performances to secure a top two finish and progress through to the second stage of the competition.

The first scheduled game against Iran was cancelled due to the Iranians having Visa problems. The first official game, therefore, saw GB face Germany. GB fell to an early 2-0 deficit however the resilience and never-say-die attitude of the team saw GB emerge eventual 5-4 winners from a closely fought game. Next up was Canada, which proved to be an easier task. Some good breaking and shooting proved too much for the Canadians as GB won the match 7-2. These vital wins took GB into the second group stages along with Spain, Australia and the current World and European champions France; the top two teams from this group would progress into the semi finals.

The first game against Spain showcased GB’s potential as a force to be reckoned with as slick finishing and tight defending gave GB a 4-0 win. The next game against Australia, who were an unknown quantity to the U21’s, proved to be a tense, but overall comfortable game with GB running out 3-2 winners. This booked the U21’s a place in the semi finals much to their delight; however the next game against France would prove to be the hardest yet. An evenly matched game with both teams finishing their chances saw GB draw 3-3 to France and gave GB the belief that they could beat France, if they were drawn against them in the final. The final group rankings saw France pip GB to first place on goal difference, setting up semi finals of GB v Germany and France v Italy.

The team knew that they were in for a tough game with Germany looking for revenge from earlier along with their reputation of being a ‘big match’ team. Confidence was high in the GB camp and a final spot was well overdue with GB having lost three semi finals in the last three years. An early morning encounter provided the perfect wake up call for the team as a tight game unfolded, neither team losing possession easily. GB’s tactic of defending and breaking worked perfectly and, before they knew it, GB were 3-0 up against a depleted German side. A late consolation goal followed for Germany but it was GB who came out 3-1 winners, booking a place in a World championship final for the first time ever. On the other side of the draw the French took Italy apart as they eased to a 5-1 win to set up a mouth-watering final against GB. Neither teams had lost a game thus far in the competition, morale was high in both camps, both teams were full of confidence and both teams were desperate to win.

Following the semi final, the team went back to their accommodation to relax and compose themselves. Superstition dictated that several boxes of lucky charms had to be consumed to help secure the one colour on their minds; gold. This was the moment that all 8 players had been working toward for years and they knew that a mature and intelligent performance would give them a great chance of success.

As the final got underway GB looked confident and relaxed, easing themselves into the game. The first half saw a couple of half-chances from both sides, with GB enjoying more possession than the French but not putting their shots away. The game opened up somewhat in the second half, GB nearly scoring from the halfway line into an open net and the French squandering a golden breaking opportunity. However, nothing could separate the two teams and by full time the score remained 0-0. This meant one thing; golden goal extra time. This was the ultimate pressurised situation, a real contest of nerves and skill and the final hurdle for both teams to climb. As the first half of extra time got underway GB won the sprint for the ball giving them all important possession. 2 minutes passed with GB pressing hard on the French goal, looking for a chance, a half chance, a lapse of concentration by the French. This lapse came in the third minute of extra time as the French defence got driven back, allowing GB to get a shot away which sailed past a defender and the keeper into the bottom right corner of the net. Game over. GB were U21 World Champions for the first time in their history. A feeling of ecstasy, relief and achievement possessed the 8 players and all that was left to do was celebrate a fantastic tournament and memorable victory! This was a huge victory for the U21’s and confirms the strength and stature of British Polo for many years to come.

Team
1- Daniel Robson (Meridian CC)
2- George Murfin (Viking CC)
3- Gregory Hockey (Meridian CC)
4- Jack Robson (Meridian CC)
5- Edward Feltham (St Albans CC)
6- William Borrett (Meridian CC)
7- James Longley (Pennine CC)
8- Luke Morris (Aberfan CC)
Coach- Ollie Bishop