Town 5th XI on top in great derby clash

LOUGHBOROUGH CARILLON 2ND XI 3 LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN 5TH XI 4

THE SCORELINE suggests a close encounter in the first local derby between the traditional Loughborough based team, Town and the new Mens team set up at Carillon; traditionally a mixed Hockey club.

In truth the visitors who arrived with a formidable squad of 16, dominated the majority of the 1st half, pinning the young Carillon side back into their own half.

Town took a deserved lead and quickly added another, both goals well constructed, though Carillon can reflect on opportunities to have denied both goals earlier in the phases.

Carillon were limited to the bare 11 due to Tier 3 constraints and a plethora of absences, this however, may have helped the home side as a galvanised attitude was rewarded with a goal scored on the counter attack by Kellan Patel after some swift right sided attacking by Billy Bolton.

Jez Clarke scored an equaliser shortly before half time to bring the game back into neutrality. It was Carillon who fancied the second half more than the visibly anxious visiting side at the break.

Credit where credit is due though as Town again started with vigour. But yet again, on a counter attack, Charlie Clarke made himself an opportunity on the back hand; had it been two inches to the left it would surely have shaken the visitors to have then fallen behind.

This well organised Town side then rallied well and scored two more excellent goals, worked well from their own batch of young players.

All was not finished though, Carillon mounted another swift attack, forced a penalty corner that was beautifully put away by James Whyte, Game on!

With time running out Carillon pressed and harried but in the end the better side took the spoils in this highly enjoyable, well contested derby match.

Thanks should go to all supporters who created an excellent atmosphere for the players.

Also the umpires for umpiring with fairness whilst allowing this competitive game to flow evenly for both teams.