Royston left feeling blue after visit to Hitchin

Royston Hockey Club match reports

Hockey round-up

ROYSTON men’s first team went down 5-3 in a tough away fixture against Blueharts IIs on Saturday.

Blueharts opened their account after a shot which had been controlled off a player’s foot which went unnoticed by the umpires and although contested the goal was awarded. Royston replied with a goal from a penalty corner converted by skipper Nick Ross.

The second came from an own goal, after Nathan Sugden had run down the right wing and his cross was deflected off a defender and passed the stranded keeper.

At this point the umpires disrupted the flow of the game in the second half and Blueharts scored three goals in a 10 minute period of intense pressure. At 5-2 down Royston chased the game and after yet another quick break Dan Smith deflected a cross past the keeper with seconds remaining.

The ladies’ second team defeated Harpenden IIIs 1-0 in an even matchup. Julie Walsh was the hero with here strike after good work from Lucy Richardson.

The men’s IIs drew 2-2 away at Blueharts IIIs after throwing away a two-goal advantage. Two short corners led to goals from Matt Allsopp and Man of the Match Ed Hall, but Blueharts fought back to earn a draw.

The men’s IIIs recorded a highly entertaining 4-3 victory at home to Stevenage IVs.

Stevenage stormed to an early goal in the first few minutes but Royston opened up with well developed play leading to a goal from Nick Freeman. Stevenage counter attacked and gained a further goal.

Royston came back with some clinical play from Tim Yow and Steve Welding leading to a spectacular two goals from Chris Berry. The first half came to a finish a few minutes after Toby Hall made a screamer of a shot from the top of the D for Royston’s fourth goal, before Stevenage pulled one back after the break.

A depleted ladies’ IIIs lost 4-2 away at Berkhamsted IIs, with Abbie Jones on target.