Harry Lime in the movie The Third Man once famously described Switzerland as the land of peace and brotherly love. If there was ever any truth in that it was seemingly absent from the match between Canterbury and Lucerner in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Championships in Perth this afternoon. Canterbury were on the verge of filling one of the relegation spots and the Swiss were keen to help them on their way. It seemed at first as if the Kent side would at last be on the way to getting a result in this tournament. An early goal from Edward Welch was soon wiped out by a goal for Lucerner by their Thomas Gahwiller. But despite this, Canterbury were very industrious in the first half, hoping that sheer effort might counter their opponents’ skill on the ball. It was not until five minutes into the second half that we saw another goal, this one by Lucerner’s Michael Casagrande, and after that Canterbury’s heads went down as seven more followed in quick succession. The final score of 9-1 leaves Canterbury at the foot of the relegation pool. They play their final match tomorrow, this against Wiener, and on my calculations they would have to win by sixteen clear goals to avoid relegation.
In the other matches today, Crefelder played Pocztoweic Poznan and emerged 7-3 winners. This sets the two sides up for the repeat in the finals tomorrow after Crefelder demolished Menzieshill 9-0, and Poznan beat Club de Campo 7-6 after golden goal extra time.
Our photographs show Canterbury’s David Matthews (white shirt) in action against Orient Lyngby, Canterbury skipper Stewart Keir in action in the same match, and action in the match between Club de Campo and Pocztoweic Poznan.
