Brooklands MUHC v Hampstead and Westminster
In appalling conditions Hampstead retained their Premier Division status with a 4-1 win over Brooklands MU, Hampstead made a perfect start when David Eakins earned a stroke after just two minutes after being fouled in the act of shooting. Eakins took the stroke himself but fluffed his strike only to see Brooklands keeper Ible deceived by the lack of pace and unable to stop the ball entering the goal, but not reaching the backboard. Goalscoring opportunities were few and far between until Hampstead won a corner on the stroke of half time which Eakins converted with a low drag flick to the keeper’s right.
Fifteen minutes into the second half and Hampstead scored a third when Andy Cornick followed up from a partially saved corner however Brooklands refused to lie down and player/coach, John Bell scrambled home a goal on 55 minutes. With gaps appearing in the Brooklands defence as they pushed forwards Hampstead still created the better chances and when a corner was kept out by a foot on the line Eakins had a chance for his hat-trick. However his flick was only marginally better than his earlier effort and this time Ible saved it. However Hampstead were not to be denied a fourth which came courtesy of Jono Holt from a corner with three minutes left.
In the end a dissapointing end to what was otherwise a terrific season for the club.
However a promising future awaits BMUHC as they have already completed the signing of two former Internationals and have more lined up. it is no doubt that they will push for a Premier Divison place next season, and will have all the necessary credentials for a European Hockey League place.
But in the short term, something to look forward to for the club. Brooklands will host their first ever international tournament, Under 21 County Finals will take place at the ground and work is well underway to make Georges Road fit for the event.
