First team slip to fourth after top of the table clash end in defeat

ROYSTON Hockey Club Men’s First Team slipped back to fourth place in Division 4SW after a 4-0 defeat to Blueharts IIs.

The Men’s IIs suffered a heavier defeat in their match with Blueharts IIIs losing 5-0, with two goals coming in the first half.

Things were more positive in the Men’s IIIs match against West Herts Vis as they won 2-1. They didn’t enjoy the best of starts though as West Herts dominated the first half and found themselves 1-0 down at the half-time break.

The second half was a different story as the away team came out much more positively and equalised after a slick move down the left involving several players saw a cross from Keith Markham skillfully converted on the reverse stick by Colin Bateman.

Royston continued to press and deservedly scored a winner when West Herts were caught shorthanded at the back and an accurate pass found Markham in space and he put the ball wide of the ‘keeper into the corner of the goal.

The Men’s IVs also recorded a 2-1 victory in their match against Southgate Adelaide IIIs to maintain their position at the top of Division Eight.

They started with a bang and opened the scoring after just 45 seconds when Dominic Titcomb beat two defenders before finding Charlie Chambers who also fended off two would-be tacklers before beating the ‘keeper.

Their second goal came midway through the second half when Toby Hall tapping home from close range after good work from Chambers. Southgate scored before the end but it proved to be a mere consolation.

The Ladies’ First Team comfortably beat Bishop’s Stortford IIs 3-0.

Royston started strongly and were rewarded with a short corner which Ruth Askham expertly struck into the bottom left corner. They continued to dominate and Sarah Buckerfield got their second when she picked up a cross from Alison Carroll to fire home.

Their third goal came before half time from another short corner which was played between Askham and Sophie Gathercole with the latter finishing the beautifully worked move by flicking it past the ‘keeper.

The Ladies IIs found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-1 reverse to Rickmansworth.

After a fine victory the previous week, Royston were expecting a good result against Rickmansworth who had not been performing well so far in the league. This optimism was unfortunately unfounded. Royston were not at their best, and allowed Rickmansworth to take control of the match going 2-0 up at half time. This continued in the second half, and Rickmansworth found themselves 4-0 up when the home side eventually started playing their own game. A case of too little too late meant that Player of the Match Victoria Biddlecombe’s fine goal was little more than a consolation.