Derby final - take two

Roller hockey

Herne Bay Roller Hockey Club were represented in three of the four finals as the South Eastern Counties RHA season came to an exciting climax at the Herne Bay Arena. The Bay youngsters triumphed at under-13 and under-15 level but lost out to neighbours Herne Bay United in the under-17 final. Those two teams will meet again on Saturday in the National Cup finals which are also being staged at the Bay Arena. An early start to the day saw Bay’s young under17 team come up against a strong HBU outfit and a fast-paced game developed. Bay were a goal up at the break through Sian Emslie but they were unable to hold on in the second half as HBU netted three times to run out 3-1 winners. Bay under-13s took on SECRHA League winners Maidstone and, after a thrilling, end-to-end encounter ended 1-1, the ‘golden goal’ rule came into play with an early breakaway enabling Joe Chipperfield to slot away the decisive goal. Both Bay’s under-15 teams qualified for their final and, as has been the case all season when these sides have met, Bay’s older team (Blues) enjoyed more of the ball with the younger side (Pinks) looking to score on the counter attack. This match proved no different with Pinks winning through two second-half goals. Bay will field teams in all four junior age groups from under-11s through to under-17s in the natinal finals this weekend. Finals day schedule: 10am Under-11 final Herne Bay v Maidstone; 11am Under20 final Kings Lynn v Herne Bay United; 12.30pm Under-15 final Herne Bay v Cottenham; 1.30pm Senior final Grimsby v Middlesborough; 3.30pm Under-13 final Herne Bay v Letchworth; 5pm Under-17 final Herne Bay v Herne Bay United