It is fair to say that at this year’s Roses, the performance of Lancaster’s hockey teams has been generally disappointing. Whilst we have seen some success with the 2-0 victory of the Men’s thirds, the remainder of our hockey teams could only manage a draw in two games and losses in seven others. Nothing should be taken away however from the fantastic performance of the 3rds; they continue to be one of the success stories of the tournament and the only other team to be undefeated at Roses alongside the Lancaster Bombers American Football team. Much praise should also be given to the efforts of the Men’s indoor hockey team who fought back from being 4-1 at half time to draw 5-5 in a thrilling game.
Men’s 1sts
In a rather uninspiring game of hockey, the men’s firsts slumped to a disappointing 3-0 victory at the hands of York. After some good initial play forcing a fantastic aerial stop by the York defender on the line, York’s attack proved too much for Lancaster leading to the opening goal in the 30th minute. This was followed in quick succession by York’s second goal, a looping shot which flew over the keeper. A penalty in the 65th minute sealed victory for York in what had been a thoroughly frustrating game for Lancaster.
Women’s 1sts
Some comfortable dribbling from the York women coupled with some confident play made the efforts of the Lancaster women futile as they lost 3-1 to a thoroughly deserving York side. Some decent attacking play kept Lancaster on the back foot and called for some desperate defending. It was not long before York went 1-0 up after being allowed simply too much time on the ball in the Lancaster half. The next York goal came after some scrappy defending in the box allowed the York attack to get the shot away. Despite the fact that Lancaster seemed to be struggling to form an effective attack, they were awarded with a penalty after Clare Jamison was fouled in the shooting circle. Faye Garland stepped up to close the score to 2-1. This mini revival was short lived however when York retaliated with a goal of their own putting the final nail in Lancaster coffin and clinching a 3-1 win for the home side.
Men’s 3rds
In a pulsating game, the Men’s thirds put on a convincing performance to beat York 2-0 thus retaining their undefeated record at Roses and their reputation as one of Lancaster most successful teams at Roses. Lancaster took the lead in the 24th minute with a goal from Phil Yates after pressure from the short corner. They were however far from dominant and some much needed defending from the likes of Tom Crawford was called for in what became an incredibly close fought game. The beginning of the second half saw Lancaster Eddie Griffiths sent to the sin bin for a tough challenge. York threatened during this period and found themselves clean through on goal forcing a fantastic stop by keeper Fraser Stewart. More ill discipline from Lancaster saw goal scorer Phil Yates sent to the bin after sending a York player crashing to the floor. Lancaster hung on despite the disadvantage in numbers and some fantastic saves including a brilliant headed save by hero keeper Fraser Stewart, ensured Lancaster retained the lead. Despite the onslaught, Lancaster capitalized on some poor York defending to score again five minutes before full time. A steal in the D by Roly King brought the score to 2-0.
Lancaster’s captain Elliot Thompson said of the victory: “it was a brilliant game, we tried to rise above the dubious umpiring and stayed calm and what we got was a brilliant result.”
Men’s Indoor 1sts
In a thrilling encounter, Lancaster’s men’s indoor 1sts team performed a fantastic comeback from being 4-1 down at half time to draw 5-5 at the death. Within the first few minutes, York’s captain both won and then missed a penalty in amazing fashion – having had to retake the penalty and in doing so hitting the post – to the delight of the Lancaster fans, who ridiculed his ludicrously high shorts.
However, Lancaster’s luck did not last, for York were flawless throughout the first half. Their Number 17 In particular was clinical in his finishing – scoring the first and third goals to give the defender, Hollis, a torrid time in the process.
At 4-0, York looked destined to notch up another two points. However, Lancaster’s Abell gave his team hope with the last play of the first half – a great finish from a penalty-corner to make it 4-1.
With roles reversed, Lancaster’s second half performance was little short of brilliant, with stand out performances from Crich and Hollis. The former not only dribbled through York’s defense for fun but also scored two goals; the latter turned his performance around in the second half, helping his side with an assist and an equalizing goal.
With the scores level at 4-4, the game ended in dramatic style as Lancaster took the lead for the first time through Abell’s well-taken shot. Almost instantly from the restart, York hit back to level and finish the game in what turned out to be an incredible match. The final score finished 5-5.
In other results, Lancaster’s men’s 2nds lost 4-0, the mixed 1sts lost 5-2, the women’s 2nds lost 6-0, the men’s indoor 2nds lost 6-2, the women’s indoor 1sts lost 3-4 and the women’s indoor 2nds drew 3-3.
