Four team – two places!
Today saw the start of the England Hockey League promotion play-offs
tournaments.
In the NOW:Pensions Men’s Hockey League, Sheffield Hallam
were away at Brooklands MU trying to retain their Premier Division status. All seemed to be going swimmingly
when Will Hearne scored in less than two minutes, with follow-up goals from
Liam Ansell and Mike Shaw giving Hallam a 0-3 lead after less than 15
minutes. But Dave Flanagan and Aiden
Khares both managed to find the net moments later, with Peter Cornell scoring
an equaliser for Brooklands soon after
the start of the second half. Final score 3-3.
Southgate from the Conference East, are looking for an early
return to the Premiership, and they go to the top of the play-off table after
Simeon Bird scored the only goal in their match at home to Cardiff and Met.
After one match the table is 1. Southgate 3 Pts (+1), Jt 2
Brooklands MU and Sheffield Hallam 1 pt (+0), 4. Cardiff & Met 0 pts (-1).
The sides play their remaining two matches at Reading next
weekend.
Buckingham got off to a flyer against Brooklands Poynton in
the Investec Women’s League play-offs.
First half goals from Zoe Shipperley and Jo Ellis, followed by second half
goals from Katrina Nicholson and Ellis, gave Buckingham a 4-0 win and they go
to the top of the table.
Conference East Champions, Holcombe, played out a 1-1 draw
against Premier Division Sutton Coldfield.
Sutton’s goal came from Jane Sixsmith, and Lauren Osborn scored Holcombe’s
equaliser.
After one match the table is 1. Buckingham 3 pts (+4), Jt2.
Holcombe and Sutton Coldfield 1 pt (+0), 4. Brooklands Poynton 0 pts (-4).
The sides playing their remaining two matches at Reading in
a fortnight’s time.
