Men’s Masters 1st Round Success
National HA Cup Over 40s First Round – Old Sils Masters 3 Northampton Saints Masters 4
Saints masters started their annual HA Cup campaign with a hard fought victory over Old Sils. The first half was a cagey affair with Saints taking the lead with a well finished goal taken by poacher John Brown following a well weighted pass into the d by Jim Phipps. Old Sils came back strongly and equalized with a stroke following a penalty corner. The game simmered and was extremely competitive just about staying the right side of the line for the remainder of the half. Saints lost the influential Daren Brooks just after half time with a hamstring strain and Old Sils started to move the Saints defence around at will – it was no great surprise when they took a 3 -1 lead midway through the second half and were seemingly in control and playing some quality hockey. With the clock ticking the ageless Trev Fidler (both hamstrings in fine fettle still) – drilled the ball into the d where once again John Brown pounced to deflect the ball past a helpless keeper. 10 minutes out Pete Ellis initial drag flick was blocked only for him to have the ability and presence of mind to plant the rebound into the top right hand corner of the goal, At 3 all there was only going to be one winner and with a sublime piece of skill Craig McIntyre danced past the old sils defence to the byline and flicked the ball past the keeper from an acute angle. Saints managed to survive relatively comfortably the last 4 minutes to take their place in the second round draw. This was an impressive performance against an Old Sils side made up of players from Old Sils, Olton & West W, Blossomfield and a cracking afternoon of hockey followed by a few beers!!
Team Paul Madeley, Jim Phipps ©, Jason Hillier, Darren Brooks, Pete Ellis, Tim “Davo” Daversen, Ian McIlwaine, Trev Fidler, Jake Walker, Craig McIntyre, John Brown, Richard Darby. Malcolm Gray, Simon Chambers, KrIish.
Scorers John Brown 2, Pete Ellis, Craig McIntyre