As brave efforts go, it was as brave any effort as you would see on any hockey pitch near you. Beeston took on the Dutch giants, HGC, and came away with a lot of pride.
Beeston put in a great effort in the opening minutes, to the point where HGC’s Canadian captain, Rob Short, could be heard loudly berating his defence. Indeed, it was slightly against the run of play that Rodrigo Vila opened HGC’s account after 18 minutes. It was a lead they held for three minutes. Beeston’s dependable penalty corner striker, Andrew Monte, worked his magic and the side’s were on even terms.
HGC seemed to settle down as the first half ticked away and their Seve Van Ass put them into a 2-1 lead just before the half-time hooter. But Beeston were still playing on equal terms, as was evidenced by Monte’s second goal from a penalty corner, 11 minutes into the half.
From 2-2 HGC managed to race ahead with further goals from Timmo Kranstauber and Connor Grimes. In the last ten minutes Beeston put in a superhuman effort to be rewarded with a late penalty corner goal from Alastair Wilson. Then, with eight seconds left on the clock, a penetration into the HGC circle resulted in an appeal to the video umpire. The appeal resulted in a penalty corner. Unfortunately, the ball was mis-trapped as it came to the top of the D and the corner was over in a flash.
Final score 4-3 to HGC. They now go through to the semi finals on 11 June at a location to be announced.
Earlier in the day, what had promised to be an exciting all-Spanish match between Club de Campo and Atletic Terrassa, turned out to be very disappointing. After a 1-1 finish, the issue had to be decided on a one-on-one shoot out which saw Club de Campo emerge as victors. They go through to the semi finals.
England’s last remaining chance of a semi-final place takes place tomorrow afternoon when Reading play KHC Dragons.
