Reading Cup Final Double
By Reading Hockey Club • Apr 9th, 2009 • Category: Home Page, L1, M1, News
Reading will feature in both England Hockey cup finals this season after a dramatic day of cup semi-final action at Sonning Lane on Sunday.
First up the men defeated Fareham 7-1, but the South side, who will only enter the EHL next season, put on a good performance, going in only 1-2 at half time. Quick goals from the returning Andy Watts soon tipped the tie Reading’s way as Fareham’s fitness faded.
Reading now head off to Hamburg for the next rounds of the Euro Hockey League (with lots of us trailing behind them to cheer), and face Real Club Polo de Barcelona on Saturday morning in the last 16 (09:30 CET/08:30 BST televised live on Eurosprt 2 or follow online at http://www.ehlhockey.tv/), and of course we’ll try and keep you updated here.
Then a real rollercoaster of a cup tie in the women’s semi final as the ladies hosted University of Birmingham. Reading took the lead thanks to a Claire Kerr penalty stroke. However Birmingham scored three times in 5 torrid minutes for the Blues to leave Reading reeling, although they pulled a goal back before half time thanks to Vicky Bryant. Becky Dru got Reading on level terms midway through the second half, before Becky Odlin slotted home what Reading thought was the winner with 8 minutes to go. Reading failed to close out the game however at Birmingham were delighted when they equalised from an overtime penalty corner with the final hit of the game. The first period of extra time passed and the game was heading to strokes when Laura Puddle smashed home the winning golden goal.
The next challenge for the ladies is the EHL playoffs running over the May Bank Holiday weekend for promotion to the Premier division. First up will be University of Birmingham eager for revenge after this defeat. As preparation Reading will be playing friendly games against Slough at Sonning Lane on the 18th and 25th (12:00 push backs)
Men: Euro Hockey League KO16/Quarter Finals 11 April 2009
Venue: UHC Hamburg, Germany
Reading v Real Club de Polo Barcelona 08:30 start
TV: Eurosport 2
Ladies: Slazenger EHL Promotion Playoffs 2-4 May 2009
England Hockey National Knockout Cup Finals 16 May 2009
Venue: Nottingham Highfields
Annual End of Season Awards Dinner 18 April 2009
Venue: Reading Hockey Club 6.30pm start
Everyone welcome – last chance to get your tickets from Mel.
And if you are worried about what to do over the summer then don’t forget there is the Thames Valley Summer League starting in May and the Bandits going on a few cheeky summer tours.
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