Thirds are defeated in Wales

Llandudno II 3 Runcorn III 1 AFTER two good displays, Runcorn Hockey Club’s third-team showed their inconsistency by losing to bottom-of-the-table Llandudno seconds.

Fielding very much the same team as in previous weeks, it was apparent from the off that this performance was well off the mark.

Runcorn were outenthused by the lively Llandudno midfield and forwards, and any half-chances created by the visitors were easily dealt with by the home defence.

When Llandudno scored their first goal, it did produce some reaction and Runcorn started to play some better hockey.

Keeping the half-time score to 1-0 gave Runcorn the chance to make amends in the second period, but another lethargic start handed a second goal to the Welsh outfit.

Eventually forcing a couple of penalty corners, Runcorn converted one through Ian Townley and the opportunity to pull level was in sight.

However, the effort was not there and the home side scored a third goal to virtually seal the points.

When John Irving was sent-off for dissent, the game was effectively over and Llandudno ran out worthy winners.

Few players matched their expected form with only Graham White and Jake Walker coming out with any credit.

Runcorn are now third from bottom and need to improve greatly in the coming weeks.