You could say that the national hockey programme for 2008-2009 started in earnest today. The Slazenger EHL kicks off next weekend but this afternoon saw the first round proper of the men’s EH Cup. Although the EHL sides do not get a look in until Round 2, there are some clubs with a pretty decent pedigree and recent EHL experience in Round 1.
Among the former EHL clubs in action today were Lewes, who went out of the top flight in 2005 having had a nightmare season during which they managed to record only one win in 22 outings. Since then they have slipped down to Division Two of the South Premier Division but one always feels that if there is one club that deserves to bounce back, it is Lewes. Not only do they have fine facilities at the Southdown Club, but the backdrop of Lewes Priory makes it one of the most attractive grounds in the country to play hockey. Their opponents this afternoon were Ramgaria Hockey Club from Southall, who usually play their hockey in the Middlesex Berks Bucks and Oxon Regional League. A slight mismatch perhaps, but cups are all about upsets. Lewes are a young and comparatively inexperienced side but it did not take long for their fitness to show. 2-0 up early in the match, they relaxed slightly early in the second half and gave their opponents a sniff at a draw but conceding two goals seem to act as a wake up call and Lewes came back into the match strongly, winning 7-2.
Elsewhere it was mixed results for former EHL sides, Robinbson’s taking a 9-3 hammering at Cheltenham, and Plymouth Marjon overcoming Gloucester City 4-3. Teddington share the honours with Taunton Vale for the biggest win of the day, beating Amersham and Chalfont 11-1. Taunton Vale put ten passed North Wilts for no reply.
So the following go through to Round Two: Alderley Edge, Chichester, Ashford (Middlesex), Bishops Stortford, Bedford Town (walkover), Brighton & Hove (walkover), Cheltenham, Dereham, Preston, Banbury, Edgbaston, Fareham, Havering, High Wycombe, Lewes, West Herts (walkover), Maidstone (walkover), Harborne, Blueharts, Olton & West Warwicks, Deeside Ramblers, Playmouth Marjon, South Nottingham, Spencer, Taunton Vale, Teddington, Timperley, Urmston (walkover), University of Cambridge, Devizes and Wisbeach. The match between Middeton & Bognor was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.
Our photograph shows action from the match between Lewes and Ramgaria. More photographs appear on our site at www.talkhockeyradio .co.uk
