It could have been billed as a David and Goliath match but for much of the 70 minutes it seemed as if David was playing David in the EH Cup Final between Beeston and Hampstead & Westminster.Hampstead and Westminster, who had struggled through the early rounds against South Premier League opposition, looked by far the more competent side during the opening encounters but for much of the first half neither goal net looked as if it would be disturbed by the ball.
The absence of England players from both sides on training duties, seemed to take the edge of the match and it was not until the last twenty minutes that it came to life. Almost inevitably it was the Londoners who drew first blood, with an Andy Cornick penalty corner goal giving them the lead.
On the evidence of the previous 50 minutes, 1-0 could have remained the final score, but Jamie Parker equalised for Beeston with eight minutes left on the clock and Chris Seddon finally slotted home the winner within the remaining few minutes. Final score, 2-1 to Beeston.
Although the match came to life towards its end, it almost seemed a fitting final for the competition which England Hockey seem almost embarrassed to still run. Beeston at least had the satisfaction of lifting some silverware after the disappointment of losing the Championship finals two weeks ago.
It was left to the ladies to provide us with an entertaining game. No David and Goliath match here, with both teams packed full of top-class internationals. However, Leicester proved yet again what a good unit they are and their organisation, and the inclusion of a world class penalty corner striker, gave them the edge over their opponents from Reading.
It was two penalty corner conversions from Cullen that gave Leicester a 2-0 lead at the break, and although their was a danger at one stage that her side might run away with the game, Reading gained their composure in the second half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty stroke award, which was put away by Helen Richardson.
Final score, 2-1 to Leicester, but a slightly sad end to admirers and supporters of Leicester, with the retirement of their former England international, Jennie Bimson (pictured with cup). She has been a great servant of the game and I for one will miss her.
Mens final:
Beeston: George Pinner (GK), Mark Wadsley, Wayne Rowland, Stephen Wood, Martin Jones, Carl Smith, Jamie Parker, James McBlane, Chris Seddon, Andrew Monte, Stephen Lawrence ©, Sam Dixon, Alex Armstrong, Matt Taylor, Sam Ward. Unused substitute, Tom Skinner (GK).
Hampstead & Westminster: Edward Bevan, Keiran Roche, Andrew Cornick, Jaime Gonzalez-Laguillo Garcia, Daniel Walsh, Ian Roberts, David Cooper, David Pruden, Jordache Rawson, Andrew Smith, Will Naylor ©, Peter Swainson, Ian Scanlon (GK), David Eakins, Mike Williamson. Unused substitute, Andrew Miller (GK).
Women's final:
Leicester: Maddie Hinch (GK), Gemma Darrington, Crista Cullen, Lucy Brown, Hannah Macleod, Laura Unsworth, Kerry Williams, Chloe Rogers, Katie Long, Jennie Bimson ©, Hannah Smith, Vanessa Hawkins, Rebecca Herbert, Emma Clarke, Lauren Turner. Substitute not used, Sarah Cockayne.
Reading: Kate Walsh, Vicky Bryant ©, Clare Appleton, Helen Richardson, Claire Kerr, Emily Malden, Alex Smith, Laura Puddle, Jo Ellis, Alex Danson, Rebecca Odlin, Emily Maguire, Mel Insall (GK), Emma Lee-Smith, Emma Thomas. Substitute not used, Beth Storry (GK).
Images from this match will appear shortly on our web site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk
