IT was smiles all round for Southend & Benfleet juniors who won the Essex Mini-Hockey Shield at Chelmer Park.

The team, consisting of under-10s to under-12 boys and under-10s to under-12s girls, competed against Old Southendians, Hertford, Blue Hornets, Colchester, Maldon and Tower Hamlets through horrendous rain to win the shield and take home gold medals.

This is the first season Southend & Benfleet have run a juniors section. The club only started in September but already have more than 70 children signed up.

They have been playing in the Essex Mini Hockey League and in their inaugural season won League Two.

They also entered teams into the National In2Hockey Tournament at Redbridge with promising results.

“Our first season could not have gone better,” said head coach Adele Cole.

“The success of the club has exceeded any expectations. We’ve had fantastic support from players, parents, coaches and Southend & Benfleet HC members.

“We are looking forward to building on our achievements as we go forward into next season. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, fun coaching sessions to any children interested in hockey and to give them their first opportunities to compete within teams.”

The club trains on Monday evenings from 6pm to 7pm at The King Edmund School in Rochford.

Training will be continuing until May half term.

Call Adele Cole on 07977 143321 for further information. Beginners or more experienced players aged six to 13 are more than welcome.