Loughborough Students, whose results in the Indoor EHL might have suggested they were a spent force, pulled off a surprise win against the favourites, East Grinstead, in the final of the National Indoor Club Championships here in Birmingham this evening. The Students had experienced a rocky ride in the semi final, going into the second half against Old Loughtonians 4-1 down, but in the final they confounded the sceptics with some attacking hockey and stout defending. An early goal from open play by John Jackson was followed by two more in quick succession, Tim Benford and Marc Edwards the scorers for the Students. East Grinstead staged a revival, with penalty corner conversions from Mark Pearn and David De Prez and a third from a penalty corner just after the break by skipper Scottt Ashdown, but the sides were on even terms for only two minutes. David Appleton found the net from open play and Richard Smith scored from the penalty spot. East Grinstead were unable to repeat their earlier resurgence and despite a second penalty corner conversion by Ashdown, were never able to find the goal that might have taken the match to penalty strokes. Final score 5-4 to Loughborough Students. East Grinstead, who had set their hearts on an early return to Europe after their success in Brussels last February, will now have to wait another year before they can qualify. This follows on from their surprise defeat at the hands of Canterbury in last year’s final.
Our photograph shows Loughborough Students celebrating after the final hooter.
Men’s semi-final scores: East Grinstead 7, Bournville 3 (Half time 2:1); Old Loughtonians 5, Loughborough Students 6 (Half time 4:1).
There were no surprises in the women’s tournament. Only three clubs have won the final since 1991 - Chelmsford, Hightown and Slough - and two of them were playing in this year’s final. However, the writing was on the wall for one of the finalists, Bowdon Hightown, who in their semi-final match allowed Ipswich to wipe out a six goal advantage in the space of twelve minutes and were fortunate to score their winning goal minutes before the final hooter. Despite a hat-tick from Denise Marston-Smith for Olton, their opponents, Slough, were too strong for them and the final score was 7-3. In the final, Sally Walton found the net for Bowdon Hightown within seconds of the start. Veteran Slough striker, Mandy Nicholson, was soon able to reply, but Lyndsay Smith struck back for Bowdon shortly after. The sides went into the break with Slough the 3-2 leaders after Alex Scott scored from open play. The second half belonged Slough, with two more goals from Fiona Greenham giving them the 5-2 victory.
Our photograph shows Slough’s Jane Smith having a close encounter with Bowdon ‘keeper Kirsty Mackay.
