Men’s Masters side through to next round of the EH trophy
Men’s Masters 5-3 Hampton-In-Arden Masters
Goals: Jon Noble (3), Jez Deeks, Guy Roberts,
Following their convincing win at Ashby in the previous round, the Masters team travelled away to Hampton in Arden in the 3rd round eager to progress further in the national Trophy.
With Captain Jim Phipps away on the slopes aiming for a last minute call up to the GB winter Olympic team, the squad were keen to put on good display to cushion the blow should his selection not materialise.
Saints started positively and we’re one up within 2 minutes courtesy of a well taken Jon Noble goal, the budding forward justifying his move from defence into attack almost immediately from the start. Continued pressure from Saints led to a second goal after 11 minutes…Jon Noble on target again, this time converting clinically from a short corner. A well rehearsed move led to Saints 3rd goal…Max Darby’s‘thinned 5 iron’ threaded through the Hampton defence to set up Jez Deeks who finished in style.
Saints start the second half as they finished the first and we’re soon 4-0 up, Guy Roberts finishing a swift move with a well taken goal to the keepers left. Hampton pulled a goal back almost immediately, only for Saints to re-establish the 4 goal margin within 5 minutes…Jon Noble securing his hat-trick with a solid strike (technically speaking it was a push that went in at the 3rd attempt but let’s not dwell on it!)
Hampton rallied well, pulling back 2 goals but Saints always looked in control and saw the game out for a well deserved win.
Noticeable performances from Mike Darbyshire who played despite a minor stroke;Jason Hillier despite being taken out by a sniper in the second half; TrevFidler despite pulling all 3 of his hamstrings and Max Darby who missed his own birthday party to play…all commendable.
The draw for the next round is eagerly anticipated…
Team: Pete Adey, Mike Darbyshire, Jason Hillier, Steve Morris, Tim Daverson, Guy Roberts, Dave Wennington, Trevor Fidler, Gary Paterson, Jon Noble, Jez Deeks, Max Darby, Paul Denton