Royston Hockey Club round-up

Hockey

ROYSTON Hockey Club continued the celebration of the life of John Whitehead, life member of the club, as their teams all returned to the Heath Sports Club last Saturday in sandals, and enjoyed a gin & tonic while raising �250 towards the Papworth Hospital Charity.

On Monday members attended John’s funeral to say goodbye and there were 128 people in the West Chapel in Cambridge Crematorium to pay their respects.

On the field, Royston produced a number of good performances, and apart from the men’s IIs – all seven teams returned with a win or draw.

Ruth Askham was the hero for the ladies’ first team in their 4-2 win at home to Letchworth.

Sarah Buckerfield got the scoring under way early on before the visitors equalised, only for Askham to restore the advantage before half-time. Royston were the better team after the break and Askham completed her treble with two good goals before Letchworth grabbed a late consolation.

The men’s first team drew 2-2 away to Upminster, with both of Royston’s goals coming from captain Nick Ross. It was a good result up against the top side in the league, and was Royston’s toughest match so far.

The ladies’ IIs defeated Queenswood 2-1 with their first win of the season. Royston started strongly and after a powerful pass by Sarah Farmer, Heidi Whitaker converted the first goal with a skilful hit into the corner. The second came minutes later with amazing play from Julie Walsh on the right wing, passing to Whitaker who duly finished.

Royston stayed strong with great midfield play from Victoria Biddlecombe, Lucy Davidson and Helen McCarthy and this lead to Royston third goal by Player of the Match Lucy Richardson before Queenswood scored a consolation.

The men’s IIs suffered a heavy 10-1 away defeat to West Herts IIIs with Owen Russell scoring the Crows’ only goal.

The ladies’ IIIs triumphed 4-2 away at Rickmansworth IIs. A fantastic second-half hat-trick and Caroline Legg’s single was enough to seal victory after the hosts had pulled themselves back to 2-2 at one stage.

The men’s IIIs drew 1-1 with Harpenden Vs, with Chris Berry grabbing the equalising goal.

The ladies’ IVs drew 0-0 with St Albans VIs while the men’s IVs defeated Shefford & Sandy IIIs 4-2.