Local club see off rivals in under-14 competition involving six different teams overall last weekend under guidance of Joe Everett and Paul Murphy

Ilford Recorder: Crostyx's seconds find the net (pic: Gill Woods Photography).Crostyx's seconds find the net (pic: Gill Woods Photography). (Image: Archant)

Crostyx had plenty to celebrate last weekend, as their under-14 girls triumphed in an England Hockey Invitation Festival.

The club fielded two teams against twin sides from Basildon and Waltham Forest and, under the guidance of Jo Everett and Paul Murphy, Crostyx 2 finished first with the other team third.

A Mia Hart goal helped see off Waltham Forest firsts 1-0, before Helene Standring took centre stage and was on target to earn bragging rights over their Crostyx counterparts.

After a 1-1 draw with Basildon, Everett and Murphy’s team got rid of the shackles as Waltham Forest seconds were thrashed 4-1 and Basildon twos beaten 2-0.

Ilford Recorder: Crostyx's squad face the camera after a successful tournament along with Basildon and Waltham Forest (pic: Gill Woods Photography).Crostyx's squad face the camera after a successful tournament along with Basildon and Waltham Forest (pic: Gill Woods Photography). (Image: Archant)

Preeya Kushurel impressed in goal, although was tired come the end of the day after helping out other teams.

Meanwhile, the creativity of Amber Buthfer, Hart and Clara Johnson helped provide the chances for Standring.

Solid defensive work by Kate Dempsey, Maddie Stewart and Lottie Gillett ensured it was a day to remember for the girls in purple.

Crostyx: Preeya Kushurel, Maddie Stewart, Lottie Gillett, Kate Dempsey, Clara Johnson, Amber Buthfer, Helene Standring, Mia Hart.

Shona McCallin will be paying a visit to Crostyx this Saturday to join in with the club’s junior training session at 9am.

The Rio Olympic hockey gold medalist and Great Britain and England star will also present the Crostyx junior player awards to the top athletes at the club later in the day.

New junior co-ordinator Jo Everett said: “This is a great honour for Crostyx to have a Rio Olympic athlete visit the club to inspire the next generation of local hockey players.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Shona is taking the time out of her hectic schedule to join us.”