HAT-TRICK DOERNER DOES FOR READING by Peter Savage at Reading

A brave Reading effort was foiled by a class act by the Dutch from Bloemendaal. Playing in the finals of the European Cup-Winners Cup, Bloemendaal had the home side pinned down in their own half for most of the opening period. Only some stout defending and a world-class performance by Simon Mason in the Reading goal kept the Dutch in check. It took 48 minutes for them to open their account, with a field goal by Nick Meijer. Reading were almost immediately back in the game with a penalty corner strike by John Wyatt, but this was followed by a series of penalty corners converted by Bloemendaal's corner specialist, Luke Doerner. Mancheet Kocher, managed to pull one back for the home side, but the Dutch ran out as deserved winners, 4-2. Reading must be wondering how they might have faired had it not been for the absence of their continigent with the England squad in China. Simon Mason won the award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament.