National Hockey Veterans Cup – Semi-Final

Harleston Magpies Veterans 3-1 Bournville

On Sunday afternoon Harleston Magpies Veterans team entertained Bournville in the semi-final of the National Hockey Veterans Cup. Having beaten last year’s champions in the previous round Bournville arrived as favourites.

From the start Magpies were put under pressure and found it hard to move the ball out of defence. After ten minutes, against the run of play Magpies won a penalty corner from which John Aldridge ultimately scored from a narrow angle. Bournville continued to press forward but squandered several penalty corners. Just before half time David Brown in goal pulled off a stunning save from a fiercely struck shot, and Magpies went into half time with a slender lead.

Towards half time Magpies had begun to fight their way into the game and within five minutes of the restart extended this lead when David Blackmore found Roger Kent in Bournville’s circle and Kent scored from close range.

The game was now much more open with Bournville still seeking a goal and within five minutes of Magpies going two up the visitors scored with a well worked goal. Bournville continued to press forward and with quarter of an hour to go were awarded a harsh penalty stroke. David Brown once again came to Magpies rescue when he brilliantly deflected the ball onto the post and to safety.

In the final ten minutes both teams went for the kill and eventually, with Bournville pressing forward for the equaliser Magpies broke away and good play between Roger Kent and Andy Casten led to Casten slotting home the final goal with a well controlled reverse stick shot.

Magpies then played out time to earn a place in the Final against Isca (Exeter) at Chelmsford on April 22nd, 2.30pm.

www.magpies-hockey.co.uk

photo taken in previous round