HOCKEY: Fantastic Vets reach national cup final

National Over 40s Cup

semi-final

REWHC Men’s Vets 4

East Grinstead Vets 1

Sunday was a massive occasion for the club as the over 40s team made it through to the final of the National Cup.

Watched by a record crowd up at Hart Field, Danny Bell in goal was called in to action in the first minute with a stick save to his bottom right. From the counter attack that followed Rugby took the lead when David Odwell fired home from open play.

After eight minutes there was confusion in the EG team as they all stopped expecting a whistle. Play continued and Alex Watkins was able to run the length of the pitch and round the keeper to put Rugby two in front.

EG responded well and converted a penalty stroke after the ball hit Giles Morrison’s foot on the line.

Chris Graham had a fantastic game in midfield, causing the opposition no end of problems. He was able to score Rugby’s 3rd after 29 minutes when the ball came to him from a short corner and he beat the keeper with a hard low shot.

The game settled down after this but Rugby did well to defend a barrage of EG short corners. Russ Watling defended most things that came his way, and backed up by Bell in goal, they were able to shut out EG who began to tire.

In the 63rd minute Rugby sealed their win when Dave Manning finished at the back post after Dave Odwell crossed shot. A really good team effort and fantastic achievement. Thank you to all those that came to support.

The final will be played on May 1 at the Lea Valley Hockey Stadium, where Rugby will face Robinson’s for the National Vets Cup.

Fixtures for Saturday 12th:

M1 v West Bridgford – 1400 – Hart Field

M2 v West Bridgford - away

M3 v West Bridgford – 1145 – Bilton Grange

M4 v Leek - away

M5 v Northampton Saints – 1200 – Rugby School

M6 v Burton (TBA)

M7 v Melton – 1530 – Hart Field

L1 v Sutton Coldfield - away

L2 v Warwick - away

L3 v Balsall&B’well – 1230 – Bilton High

Badgers A v Wellingborough – away

Badgers B v Warwick – 1000 – Bilton High