Hockey Clifton Robinsons 2nds avoid drop on goal difference

THERE were the inevitable winners and losers on a dramatic last day of the West Hockey League season, as Team Bath Buccaneers were crowned champions of West men’s Premier in a winner-takes-all 4-3 victory over Cardiff-based Whitchurch HC.

At the foot of the table, a late 2-1 home defeat versus University of Cardiff was good enough for Clifton Robinsons men’s 2nds to avoid the drop on goal difference, as Swansea failed to score enough to escape the third relegation spot, despite winning 3-2 at already relegated ISCA 2nds.

In Central Two, Westbury/Utd Banks had high hopes of a home promotion celebration going into the final game, but their failure to manage better than a 0-0 draw with mid-table Firebrands 2nds allowed ISCA 3rds, who Westbury had beaten 4-1 the week before, to leapfrog the Bristol team to win the title. Westbury/Utd Banks had a lot of pressure but were unable to find a goal. Clifton Robinsons 5ths had already booked their promotion into this tier, but closed an excellent season with a 21st win in 22 games, beating Mendip with goals from Graham Herring, George Herring and Sam Cole.

Westbury/Utd Banks 2nds went down 4-0 against Cardiff Met 5ths in Bridge One, while the club’s 3rd XI lost 12-2 against South Gloucs in Concorde One. John Swann scored both goals for the losers.

Goals from Marc Funnell, Andrew Boyle and Steve Millman earned Westbury/Utd Banks Wizards a 3-1 victory over South Gloucs 2nds. Millman scored in the closing seconds of the match. The game marked the retirement of club legend Steve Millman. He first played for the club in 1978, so has donned his hockey gear for 45 seasons. He intends to keep his long association with the club going by umpiring club matches next season. He was also a well-known local club cricketer.

Westbury/Utd Banks are again taking part in Bristol Walkfest during the momnth of May. This year’s Walking Hockey sessions, sponsored by the University of Bristol, take place at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex on Sunday, May 5 and Sunday, May 12, both days from 12.45pm to 2.30pm. The club hope that anyone who is interested in playing small-sided, usually 5-a-side games, will join the mixed sessions which are open to all ages and abilities.

Club spokesman Martin Palmer says the core group of walking hockey players contains retired past players and people who wish to return to the game they played at school. The aims of the sessions are to continue playing the game at a slower pace, and to develop skills. Alex Banbury, the club’s head coach, will be actively involved on both days. Further details may be obtained at walkinghockey@westburyhockey.com.