The first matches in the relegation tournament for England Hockey League were played yesterday (Saturday). Whereas the 10th placed team in each of the Conferences is relegated to its appropriate regional league, there is a chance for one of the teams that came 9th to remain playing Conference hockey. Yesterday’s matches involved Sevenoaks from the Women’s East Conference and Rover Oxford from the Women’s West Conference, and Firebrands from the Men’s West Conference and Formby from the Men’s North Conference.
A goal in each half from Fiona Harland gave Sevenoaks a 2-0 win. Things were a little tighter down at Firebrands, where Tim Lang gave the home side an early lead. Lang could have increased Firebrands lead but he had his 11th minute penalty stroke saved. Richard Thompson equalised for Formby as half-time approached, but Lang scored his second minutes later to put Firebrands back into the lead. Firebrands held onto their lead until 20 minutes into the second half, when Joshua Cropper scored for Formby. Final score: 2-2.
WOMEN’S RELEGATION TOURNAMENT: 1. Sevenoaks 3 pts (+2), 2. Rover Oxford 0 pts (-2), 3. Whitley Bay & Tynemouth yet to play.
MEN’S RELEGATION TOURNAMENT: 1. Firebrands 1 pt (+0), Formby 1 pts (+0), 3. City of Peterborough yet to play.
A round-up of results from the GB Super League will appear on this blog later today.
