Rutland Hockey Club

Match Report by Dave Richardson:

Rutland entered a Senior Mens side into the East Mens Division 1 Indoor Tournament for the first time at Sudbury over last weekend and came out comprehensive Champions. With former England and Great Britain International, Duncan Woods, and former England Under 21 International, Danny Emery, Rutland had an experienced platform for the younger players such as James Grant, Owen Evans and Will Gwyther to learn.

First up Saturday was Saffron Walden and Rutland found themselves blooded very quickly as they went a goal down immediately, however, gradually they settled and began to work the ball to get it level by half-time, the second half saw a different Rutland as Woods came on to show his classy skill and how to control the game, allowing Rutland to score 5 more and run out 6-1 winners. Next up was Ipswich/East Suffolk which saw a more settled Rutland side to run out comfortable 6-2 winners. The final game of the day was against Ipswich Cranes who were on the receiving end of an onslaught from Rutland, with Danny Emery as solid as a rock at the back Rutland were released time and time again to score, the best goal was from the start of the second half when Rutland pushed the ball back from the off, put 12 passes around the court to open the defence and score without the opposition touching the ball, this completely destroyed any resistance and Rutland ran out 15-3 winners to round off a fine first day.

Sunday saw Rutland back to winning ways as first they despatched the University of East Anglia 10-3, followed by an 11-1 win against Upminster. The final game was to be the toughest, against the only other unbeaten side Sudbury. This went the distance with both sides exchanging goals to 4-4, however, with a minute to go Rutland put together another fantastic set of passes around the court for Aidie Palmer to finish off in to an open goal for a superb final 5-4 win.

This was a great start to Indoor competition for Rutland who are now promoted into the East Premier Division for next year when the side can only get stronger. Rutland Hockey is certainly putting the name of Rutland on the map, there can be few other sports Clubs in Rutland competing as far and wide as Rutland Hockey Club and at such a high level.