HAVING progressed through four rounds of the prestigious England Hockey Junior Cup against Clifton Robinsons, Cirencester, Winchester, and Havant, Ashmoor's talented Under 18 side were rewarded with a home draw in the semi-final against Woking Under 18s.

Ashmoor won the EH Super Sixes Indoor title in 2025 and knew that victory would put them into their first-ever outdoor U18 final, the club having reached the U15 final back in 2007, when current first team Player-Coach Jack Dinnie was in the side.

The team started a little nervously and it was Woking who had an early chance to take the lead when they won a penalty corner. However, Ashmoor's defence held firm with Will Maynard making a superb goal line save to deflect the ball over to goal.

Tom Barnett, in his first game back since breaking his finger, was playing with his usual energy, creating a counter-attack and pass to Will Chambers, whose shot was saved with Barnett not quite able to control the rebound.

Seth Turner was then unlucky to receive a two-minute green card, and whilst Ashmoor were down a player, a flowing move from Woking ended with them hitting the post.

Ten minutes before halftime it was the away team who broke the deadlock. The ball was squared after a good move down the right and Ollie Rohde finished well.

After the break there were chances for both teams, Ashmoor's defence clearing from their goal line, and Woking's keeper saving well from a Ben Barnett penalty corner shot. Fortunately for Ashmoor, Woking then had a goal disallowed for an infringement in the buildup.

At the other end, Josh Jones won a penalty corner with some good skills, and this time Barnett senior's drag flick was too good and the scores were level at 1-1.

As the last 15 minutes approached, with the nerves of the large crowd shredded, penalty corner chances came and went for both sides, Jake Spence clearing the rebound for Ashmoor, and then Barnett almost getting his second when his shot came back off the post having beaten Woking's keeper from a similar set piece.

The umpire's whistle sounded with the match all square at 1-1, forcing a penalty shootout.

Five players from each side were nominated, given eight seconds from the 25-yard-line in a 1v1 with the goalkeeper.

Theo Bennett got Ashmoor rolling and Jake Spence kept out Woking’s opening effort. Hartley Colbourne and Ben Barnett scored next and although Tom Barnett missed, further saves from Spence under pressure secured Ashmoor’s spot in the national final.

The whole squad celebrated with the large crowd. The U18 Final will now take place at the England Hockey Junior Club Final's weekend to be held at the Nottingham Hockey Centre over the weekend of April 11/12.

Elsewhere for Ashmoor, Tilly McEwen scored four of the women’s 1st XI goals as they beat Dawlish 6-2 whilst the men’s 1st XI were beaten 5-1 away at Marlow.

The men's 2s drew 2-2 at North Devon M1s Ashmoor and the men's 3s lost an entertaining game 3-0 with Culm Vale Hornets M2s.

This weekend, Ashmoor's womens side entertain Dart, whilst the men's 1st team face Exeter University. The Men's 2nd team host Plymouth Lions, whilst the 3rd team travel to Isca and the 4ths to Exeter 4s.