East Men’s League Hockey

Premier B Division

COLCHESTER went to top of the table Ramgarhia and battled hard but came out on the losing side once again. In the first half Colchester looked to contain their opposition, but the hosts had a two goal lead by the interval. A skilful run down the Colchester left and powerful shot gave Ramgarhia the lead and that was doubled when Jack Gardner was beaten in a one on one.

Colchester though were able to create chances of their own. A quick break saw Vince Moore get the ball on the right and he fired in a superb cross which narrowly evaded Rob Mann in the ‘D’. Colchester looked dangerous on the break and another break almost gave Colchester a goal. Jack Devitt did well to get in the ‘D’, his effort was blocked by the keeper, but the ball fell to Moore, whose flicked effort was cleared off the line by a defender.

The hosts’ superb skills were proving a problem for Colchester as they gave away a number of Penalty Corners, Wayne Masters clearing one of the line, Michael Pearce getting out quickly to charge down another shot and Gardner making a fine save from a third.

Colchester changed tactics in the second half and pressed forward on their opponents. It was the hosts though that added to the scoring. More skilful running saw Mark Prince forced into fouling in the ‘D’ and the umpire awarded a Penalty Stroke, the Ramgarhia player stepped up to give Gardner no chance. The hosts fourth came when Colchester were once again forced into making a foul in the ‘D’, this time the Ramgarhia forward drag flicked the penalty corner into the goal.

Colchester though continued to play and wonderful ball from Richard Sexton found Matt Brown in the ‘D’ but his shot was saved. Colchester were looking for a way back into the match and an aerial ball found Jack Devitt, Devitt drove along the baseline and looked to cut the ball back to Matt Brown, but the ball was just too close to the Ramgarhia keeper and he swept the ball clear. Another effort from Colchester almost snuck its way in, as the Keeper missed the ball, but just clambered back to clear the ball.

In the dying minutes, Colchester got the consolation goal that their play had deserved. A nice run down the left by Joe Rich saw him get into the ‘D’, his shot/ cross was deflected by a Ramgarhia defenders stick and flew high into the goal.

Colchester will be disappointed with the defeat but will be heartened by the way they played against the top of the table side. Colchester will be looking to get back on the winning trail when they host St Ives at the Garrison next week. Ellisons Solicitors Man of the Match was Michael Pearce for his resolute defending.

COLCHESTER ROUND-UP

The second eleven got back to winning ways with a fine 4-1 victory at home to Redbridge and Ilford, a result which consolidates their mid-table position in Division 3SE. The third eleven also maintained their mid-table position in Division 5SE with a 3-1 victory at home against Thurrock 2nd XI. The fourth eleven lost top spot in division 8SE as they away at Upminster 6th XI, going down 3-2.