Hockey Richards on target but Robbies edged out by students
CLIFTON Robinsons hosted Loughborough University in their last home game of the season but suffered a 2-1 defeat.
There was a slight delay in starting due to a pitch change for which Clifton Robinsons give a big thank you to Clifton College for facilitating.
There was a strong start from both teams, with end-to-end play and clear chances. It was the visitors who took the lead in the first quarter when a hit into the D and a lovely touch guided the ball home.
Clifton Robinsons responded well with numerous corners won, but unfortunately not converted. There was no further scoring in the half, so the visitors remained a goal ahead at the interval.
The second half, saw more endto-end play with Clifton Robinsons hungry for a goal. However, Loughborough won themselves a short corner from which they increased their lead with a finish off a rebound. The home side were now desperate to make a comeback, working well together to get the ball in the attacking 25 with a few shots on target but the ‘keeper did a good job of keeping the ball out.
Clifton Robinsons continued to attack and won a short corner from which a really nice routine with a delivery off the top by Caitlin Witham to the right post and a diving finish by Phoebe Richards reduced the deficit.
There was no further scoring, leaving the visitors to take the points.
In National Conference West, Clifton Robinsons men’s team were 1-0 winners against Isca. A first-half goal following a penalty corner from Ben Stone was enough to secure the points. Robbies are now within a point of second place with games against Chichester and relegated Plymouth Marjon to play. The loser of Ashmoor and Cheltenham, who play each other on Sunday, will join them.
Cardiff-based Whitchurch or Team Bath Buccs will be promoted in a winner-takes-all clash on the last day of the season.
Clifton Robinsons 2nds gained an important three points in a 7-1 win over Isca 2nds.
Clifton Robinsons 3rds to 6ths all won their games, making it a clean sweep over the weekend.
The 3rds were 2-0 winners at Swansea with Bradley Alwan-Ahab scoring the goals. The team remain top of the table.
Four former first-team captains were in an experienced men’s 5ths that won 4-2 against South Gloucs.
Another victory on Saturday will ensure the team win the Concorde One title and promotion.
Westbury/Utd Banks defeated Minehead/West Somerset 15-0. Adam Bower (4), Nick Fletcher (4), Henry Ashcroft (3), Gary Roper, Aiden Bennett, Felix Gaunt and Chris Cutts scored. This was a record first-team win.
Westbury/Utd Banks 2nds lost 2-1 against Old Bristolians 2nds, despite a goal from Stefan Croot. Goals from Michael Coles and Chris Tomlinson helped Westbury/Utd Banks 3rds to a 2-0 win over Old Bristolians 4ths in Concorde One.
Westbury/Utd Banks Wizards had an 8-1 victory over Bristol and West 6ths in Concorde Two. Elijah Roberts (2), Paul Carruthers (2), Andrew Boyle, Rhys Younger, Nathan Funnell and Jack HannayManikum scored. Club spokesman Martin Palmer mentioned that five of the goals were scored by players from the club’s under-14s. Westbury/Utd Banks 6ths were 2-1 winners over Firebrands 5ths. James Bladon and Dave Wornall scored in the team’s first win of the season.
In Berkeley One, Thornbury won 4-3 against University of Bristol 3rds. Co Deas (3) and Esther Jenkinson scored for the winners who gained revenge for a 6-0 drubbing in the first fixture. Goals from Amelia Fitzgerald and Emily Board earned Thornbury 2nds a draw with South Gloucs 2nds.