The indoor hockey matches on Friday afternoon in the Sports Tent provided fine entertainment and some notable victories for Lancaster. The men’s 2nds team fought a tight, attritional battle against their York opponents and had their keeper, Martin Sutcliffe to thank for a string of outstanding saves in a man of the match display. Captain Tom Gordon opened the scoring for Lancaster but York snatched an equaliser. However, a second half winer from Jack Palmer gave Lancaster a slender lead which they were able to hold on to the final whistle for. The gritty 2-1 triumph impressed Gordon who was “made up” with the result which he “put down to effort”, especially after defeat last year and this year’s team being put together at the last minute.
There was similar success for the women’s 1sts who came out on top of a seven goal thriller, 4-3. In all fairness, the scoreline flattered York who were completely outclassed by a talented and skilful Lancaster side. The girls made a fine start and quickly took the lead but were pegged back by a contentious effort by the York forward which looped over the keeper’s head to give them an ill-deserved equaliser. Lancaster restored their advantage but were unable to convert a myriad of chances as they dominated possession. They were made to pay for their wastefulness with York scoring two soft, quickfire goals against the run of play. Lancaster, persevered however coming from 3-2 down to seal a 4-3 victory which was thoroughly deserved. This was even more impressive considering that a number of dubious umpiring decisions went against them.
The preceeding triumphs were somewhat overshadowed due to disappointment for the Men’s 1sts. They were under the cosh from the start and were unable to get into any rhythm against a York side that were powerful in defence and effortless going forward. Lancaster succumbed to four killer first half goals, being punished from penalty corners several times throughout the match. Second half saw a much improved display from Lancaster scoring twice, but again were unpicked at the back conceding a further three times, and like the women previously, were left ruing several debatable umpiring decisions. A 7-2 defeat proved an anti-climactic conclusion to a day of indoor hockey which entertained the vocal Lancaster support.
