In a reprise of last year’s EHL Championships, Beeston met East Grinstead in the final at Cannock this afternoon. Playing in glorious sunshine, Beeston’s captain, Stephen Lawrence opened the scoring midway through the first half with a penalty corner conversion. Beeston managed to maintain their lead, thanks in no small part of a penalty stroke save by George Pinner.
South African international Gareth Carr equalised from a penalty corner 10 minutes into the second half and, in end to end hockey, it looked as if the match was going to extra time. The deadlock was broken by a super goal by Ben Arnold with 12 minutes left . Although East Grinstead enjoyed a fair amount of circle penetration for the remainder of the match, they could not find the knock-out punch and the game ended 2-1 in Beeston’s favour.
The third Championship place, and a place in next year’s EuroHockey League, was won by Reading in a 3-1 win over Surbiton. Star of the match was Richard Mantell, who converted two penalty corners. Reading’s other scorer was Stephen Dick. Surbiton were able to score a consolation goal off the stick of Matt Daly with three minutes left on the clock. Final score 3-1.
The Women’s Championship final was won by Reading. After taking a 3-1 lead, thanks to goals from Jo Ellis, Kate Walsh and Emma Thomas, Reading seemed to be letting their lead slip away when Anne Panter scored Leicester’s second early in the second half, but Reading managed to steady the ship and the match ended at 3-2. Leicester’s other goal was scored by Rebecca Herbert.
Pictures from all three matches will appear on our sister site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk.
