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CHAMPIONS!!!!
East League
Premier A
Saturday 5th
March 2005
Crostyx
v Ipswich
Won2-1 ( A
Cook, R Fox)
Saturday saw Ipswich Men’s hockey
team become Champions of the East Premier League, winning not just the
league but sealing promotion into the National Premier three league.
EAST
PREM A CHAMPIONS 2004-2005
Ipswich
travelled to Walthamstow for their fixture against Crostyx requiring just
three points from their last four games. Ipswich beat Crostyx 3-1in the
first half of the season but were taking nothing for granted. Crostyx who
have a history of fierce battles with Ipswich were determined to force them
to wait to get the points required to win the league. Ipswich who have won
17 out of 18 matches started totally lack lustre and nervously. Crostyx came
to the match with tactics pitched to make Ipswich wait for scoring
opportunities, their half court press asked questions of the ability of
Ipswich defence to make offensive decisions. Without the immensely talented
Simon Miller in midfield due to injury and mediocre performances in the
first half from Will Turner and Will Fulker who returned this week from
suspension Ipswich found it hard to keep the ball further up the
pitch.
It
took a swap round in the midfield bringing Ivan Smith from the forward line
and bringing on the quick Richard Stainthorpe to create the opening Ipswich
needed. The two of them linked in with Fulker providing the final ball in to
the assured scorer Andy Cook. One nil but the flood gates were not to open,
even though shortly after the Crostyx goalkeeper was deemed to foul in front
of goal, the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. Chris Palmer stepped up to
take it for Ipswich, with his 100% record anyone would have thought the lead
would stretch to two nil, however his miss reflected the nerves of his
teammates. Only one nil at half time with Crostyx totally committed to
disrupting play and intimidating weaknesses in the league leaders team the
spectators knew the score line would not remain the same. It took ten
minutes for Crostyx to finally find a way through Ipswich defence, Ipswich
who have been improving their stepping up, urged on by young junior
international keeper George Pinner, on this occasioned stepped out but
leaving a man free. Crostyx Andy Dover found his free player whose finishing
was top corner past Pinners head. Fifteen minutes left for Ipswich to find
the points to secure the title and it took a moment of brilliance from their
Captain Richard Fox to rally his team and demonstrate his immense leadership
skills. Ipswich broke from defence and rushed up the field all totally
committed to getting the most important goal of the season. Fox with
devastating energy exploded into the Crostyx D and fired the ball past the
encroaching keeper to make it 2-1.
The last part of the game was played out with nerves fraying, but the
final whistle came and left Ipswich Champions at last. 8 points clear of
their nearest rivals with three games left they could make the difference
even greater.
Ipswich
now join the elite group of just ten clubs who have both men and ladies
teams in National league.
Coach
Kathryn Macdonald said of the team’s achievement “I am so very proud of
my boys they have performed professionally all season and they have all
improved beyond my wildest dreams. None of us could have predicted our
romping away with the league title in this fashion at the beginning of the
season, it’s been through their hard work and dedication to change that
this has been possible. I am indebted to the senior players who have lead by
example and supported me in every way.” And as for next season in National
league she adds “we now intend to plan our attack on the next league. My
main aim is to persuade the squad to keep together as I feel we have the
right ingredients to make a real name for ourselves.”
Ipswich
who are sponsored by Goldstar Transport are holding a prospective sponsors
day next week when they play Bedford (3rd) at home. Anyone
interested should give the Ipswich sports club on Henley road a call 01473
251143
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