Last updated 10:39, Friday, 21 March 2008

Bangor University 1

KWCC 1sts 2

Keswick West Cumbria & Cockermouth played their final league game of the season on Saturday - a 450-mile round trip to Bangor.

And they returned home with a superb victory by 2-1 to carry their unbeaten run in the Kukri North West division three to seven match.

Almost at full strength, – KWCC started the game with intensity. Paul Randell and Tom Morgan linking exquisitely on many occasions down the right flank, causing the students numerous problems.

It was from one of these breaks, instigated by Rich Hayward, which allowed a Morgan cross to be put away in the top corner by Rob Owen midway through the first period.

Darrell Morris and Jack Chippendale continued to unsettle the home side with their work rate while the effervescent Nick Smith had his finest game of the season.

Keeper Mike Buller was called into action on a couple of occasions and showed his prowess pulling off fine point-blank saves to keep his team ahead.

However, just prior to the break a lapse in the visitors’ defensive concentration allowed Bangor to equalise after James Fennell made three telling tackles in quick succession.

During the break skipper Charles Whitfield-Bott called for a big effort in the second half and Clive Swanston certainly took those words to heart and made numerous telling breaks down the left side, linking with midfield and securing a sublime ball into the circle for Owens to complete his brace with another clinical finish.

The visitors continued to play fast, intensive passing hockey which their younger opponents couldn’t live with, to end the season on a high note.

KWCC 2nds 4

Bury GSOB 1sts 0

Going into this weekend’s double header of games at home to Bury Grammar School Old Boys on Saturday, and at Belle Vue on Sunday to face Didsbury Northern, KWCC knew they had to win both games to gain promotion.

Having had a tough game at Bury earlier in the campaign KWCC were aware they were in for a battle royale, and so it proved.

During the early exchanges Bury were physical and menacing not only in their play, also endeavouring to almost threaten and provoke the home side’s youngsters.

After only nine tense minutes a swift move down the right flank led to a series of penalty corners from which Matt Evans dispatched a smart flick over the keeper which helped settle KWCC’s nerves and infuriate the opposition.

Within two minutes Dan Pyke added his 22nd goal of the season with a very brave finish from close range, being taken out crudely by the visitors’ man mountain of a keeper in the process.

The visitors played some good hockey at times but stout defensive work by Shaun Wilson and particularly Gavin Moore prevented Bury making in roads. A well marshalled back unit, lead by veteran Ewan Maddrell ensured Chris Ulyatt had the freedom to launch attacks down the left at will along with Luke Heaps vision and Matt Evan’s probing passes.

Fifteen minutes into the second half a smart right-side move resulted in Mark Proctor striking a superb shot into the net to bag his 15th goal of the season.

Now playing with complete freedom the whole team gelled and tore into the visitors at will with Rob Cook, Scott Huddart and Rob Morris all featuring in numerous flowing moves.

And from one of these moves, started deep inside Keswick’s half by Dave Slater and involving Chris Mattear, Gavin Moore, Pyke and Proctor, Nick Irlam slotted home. Five passes the whole length and width of the pitch - without Bury getting anywhere near the ball. Definitely a contender for goal of the season.

Didsbury 6ths 1

KWCC 2nds 5

Playing on the water based Belle Vue pitch it took a little while for KWCC to get used to the surface for their slick passing game.

However, after six minutes a penalty corner was awarded and a repeat performance by Matt Evans of the previous day’s goal made it 1-0.

The home team were in no mood to lie down. They forced the visitors back to defend deep and again Dan Meats and Paul Sloan shone like stars all afternoon dispossessing Didsbury’s eager forwards time and again.

Midway through the half the home team grabbed a deserved equaliser which put KWCC on the back foot once more. However, Ricky Barnes and Proctor had other ideas. They motivated their team mates and brought composure to the visitors along with Pyke.

Charlie Jackson pushed and probed all day leading to an opportunist first goal of the season for White after good foraging work from Chris Bateman, making his team debut.

A third goal before the break duly followed, with Proctor getting on the end of a fierce cross from Rob Cook on the right which appeared to take the wind out of the home team’s sails.

At half-time leading 3-1 and on the verge of a tremendous weekend’s work, KWCC rallied to put greater distance from their opponents and within 10 minutes of the restart went further ahead.

A surging individual run by Pyke into the circle finished with a rasping drive giving the home keeper no chance. With their tails now well up at 4-1 and in cruise mode, all the tricks came out, one of which culminated with Pyke adding his second of the match - taking his season’s tally to 24 goals.

As the final whistle was blown the celebrations commenced – promotion achieved in this their first season at this level, a local side made up of predominantly junior players with one or two wiser older heads.

Also on Sunday at Kirkbie Kendal School an inter-county veteran’s game took place with the South Vets entertaining a North Vets side featuring many of Keswick HC’s golden oldies.

Once again the local lads came out on top in a free flowing game by 4-2. Bob Hawkins in goal for Keswick, playing his second game of the day, having turned out earlier for the Badger’s at Ulverston was again in fine form, pulling off numerous saves before James Fisher scored an excellent hat-trick.

Mike Patton and Paul Heap held the defence firm for long periods along with Peter Wylie and Ian Blamire. Tim Robinson, another Keswick player gave a superb performance on his debut. Nick Pavey-Smith and Pete Beasley virtually ran the midfield for long periods.

A very enjoyable game for all participants played in early warm spring sunshine.