Bulldogs are crowned Under-13 Ball Hockey National Champions

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Bradford Bulldogs’ Under-13s were crowned champions at the recent national finals in Rotherham.

THE opportunity may have taken longer than expected but our youngsters sealed a fantastic triumph when they were crowned 2023 Under-13 National Ball Hockey Champions.

Five games, five wins and no goals conceded by netminder Jacob Mardell at the Bench Buddy Arena in Rotherham all added up to a fantastic day for the club. Our young pups celebrated after getting the better of rivals Leeds Rams, Nottingham Wolves and Nottingham Huskies.

Bulldogs’ head coach Andy Brown said: “It is a fantastic achievement by the youngsters and testament to the hard work that our managers and bench coaches do in order to give our kids the chance to do something like this.”

The day started in perfect fashion when the Bulldogs saw off local rivals Leeds 5-0, thanks to goals from Charlie Barker (2), Leo Marsden (2) and Timur Sprogis. Assists went to Barker (2), Marsden, Sprogis, Jack Clarke and Harry Clark.

MAGIC MOMENT: Leo Marsden receives the trophy as the Bulldogs are crowned Under-13 National Ball Hockey champions.

Nottingham Wolves were next up with Marsden netting a hat-trick, with Barker and Josh Windass bagging an assist apiece. A Harry Clark double led the way in a return match against the Rams, with Sprogis and Windass also on the scoresheet and assists going to Sprogis and Barker.

It was Barker who got the ball rolling against Nottingham Huskies in the next game, his strike assisted by Clark before Marsden completed a 2-0 win, with the helper going to Marsden.

When it came to the final against the Huskies there was only one team in it, the Bulldogs continuing their great form on the day with a Barker double putting them in control, before Marsden completed a fantastic team effort, assists going to Marsden and Clarke to seal a 3-0 and the title, sparking scenes of jubilation.

The Bulldogs’ Under-16s were also in action at an event which was postponed at the end of the 2022-23 season due to a clash with ice hockey commitments for many of the players.

They came off second-best against a strong Nottingham team in all three games, but can still take heart from coming runners-up.