Keelham, who included a county player, could not hang on to their Bradford Primary Schools’ Hockey Tournament crown.

The event, for Year Five and Six pupils, was organised by Bradford Hockey Club and held at Thornton Grammar School.

Keelham faced tough matches all day but 2009 semi-finalists Grove House opened proceedings against a strong Sandal team, who were inspired by the memory of their teacher Dot Mainwaring, a Ben Rhydding Ladies' player who passed away earlier this year.

Thornton Primary, who had several Bradford Hockey Club juniors in their squad, were also a fancied team, while Bradford Hockey Club entered an under-ten team for experience, Kane Challis making a fine club debut and Alexandra Wilkinson, six, and Amber Challis, eight, performing well against much older players.

Grove House and Bradford Hockey Club were locked on the same points, goals scored and goals conceded and needed a penalty shoot-out to claim the last semi-final place, Bradford Hockey Club winning 3-1.

They then played Sandal in the first semi-final and scored the only goal Sandal conceded from open play in a 4-1 defeat.

Keelham and Thornton then played an epic contest, Flora Taylor-Boyden clearing one off the line for Thornton as they drew 0-0 but won 4-3 on penalties.

Again the match ended 0-0, George Prescott making two saves in the shoot-out to give Thornton the crown 8-6 and a cheque for £50 from the Dot Mainwaring Foundation to go towards sports equipment at the school.

In the final, Sandal were on top for the whole game, Taylor-Boyden and Eve Gabriel being magnificent in defence.

Carter Singleton made fine runs into the Sandal defence but was repelled each time and Thornton were constantly on the back foot.

The game ended 0-0 and yet again penalties were to decide matters. After the first five penalties, the scores were tied at 4-4 and in the second set of five, Thornton scored four of theirs.

Prescott saved the second Sandal penalty and, after the third was easily slotted away, he made a save to deny Sandal and crown Thornton Primary as champions.

The winners received the trophy and their gold medals from Paul Bateson, president of Bradford Hockey Club. Alan Mainwaring, Dot’s husband, presented the award and said: “It is wonderful to see children playing sport and Dot would have loved to have been here today, not just supporting Sandal, but every child.” Mick Hayes, headteacher of Grove House, added: “This award is very welcome and we shall purchase hockey sticks and balls and try and carry on the work that Dot performed all her life - encouraging children to enjoy sport, in any form.”

If you would like to join Bradford Hockey Club and are between seven and 16 years old, training sessions are held every Wednesday during school terms at Thornton Grammar School (7pm-8pm).

No experience is necessary and Bradford Hockey Club can provide sticks and other equipment.