Sunderland begin with a deserved victory

Sunderland Men’s First Team kicked off their season with a narrow 3-2 victory over Tynedale.

Traditionally slow starters in the league, Sunderland started the stronger of the two teams and won a number of early short corners.

Eventually, the pressure told when a short corner shot made its way to Anthony Dixon, who calmly slotted home.

However, Tynedale fought back and made Sunderland rue some missed chances when they won their own short corner and converted it to draw level.

The equaliser inspired Sunderland to push forward, with Neil Sparrowhawk finding Andrew Wilson free to nab a poachers goal with a clever reverse stick finish.

Some Sunderland ill discipline led to two green cards and another short corner for Tynedale saw the pull level once more.

Despite the scores being level, Sunderland were playing the better hockey and deserved to snatch the winner.

Matt Dench then broke from left across the top of the D and fired a ball to the back post where Andy Brown was able to deflect past the Tynedale keeper.

As both teams tired, Sunderland dropped deep allowing Tynedale one last chance with a short corner right at the death.

Fortunately for Sunderland, they held out and ran out deserved 3-2 winners.

The Men’s Second Team had an outstanding start to the season, romping to a stunning 15-0 win over Richmond.

Straight from the off the Sunderland team controlled the game and put in one of their best ever performances, keeping possession well and breaking with pace scoring five in the first half.

In the second half, Sunderland were again on fire, with one of the best performances for several seasons.

Robbie Potts starred after helping himself to a nine-goal haul.

Also on the score sheet were Mark Wilkinson, Adam Pawley, Ed Winship and George Lynn.