Townley roars with treble yell

Golborne III 0 Runcorn III 4 RUNCORN Hockey Club’s men’s third-team enjoyed a comprehensive victory at their counterparts from Golborne last Saturday, the main feature of which was a terrific hat-trick from Ian Townley.

Disappointed from their narrow loss the previous week, Runcorn were hoping to make amends this time around.

From the start it was clear that Runcorn’s youngsters were going to cause the Golborne defence problems.

With Jake Fitzsimons again forcing the play forward from midfield and Riley Cooper and Dylan Hughes providing great width, it was only a matter of time before the first goal came.

Runcorn forced a couple of penalty corners and on the second, Townley struck the ball firmly into the net.

Minutes later another penalty corner provided a repeat performance for Townley to make it 2-0 at the interval.

The second half saw more of the same and, although not quite firing on all cylinders, Runcorn’s pace caught the opposition out time and again.

Golborne created some chances themselves though and should have pulled at least one goal back when they had a set of penalty corners.

However, a fine run from Robert Mault to the byeline followed by a great cross saw Steve Currie force the ball home for the visitors.

Soon the game was beyond doubt when another Runcorn penalty corner was converted by Townley for his treble.

Golborne continued to try to net a consolation goal but strong Runcorn defending kept them out up to the final whistle

Cameron Challoner worked hard up front and Jon Ford prompted the midfield from deep, but it was Townley’s decisive strikes that caught the eye.

This was a pleasing result, but when this Runcorn team really clicks they are going to be a match for anyone in the league.