An English hockey title has gone to a Channel Islands team for the first time

by Pat Rowley

Guernsey defeated Henley 4-3 at Chigwell in the the men’s Trophy final, the competition sponsored by Harrod UK for second tier clubs.

Richard Wood scored with an unstoppable shot to put Henley ahead but Guernsey for whom captain Andy Whalley was a key figure, came through with goals by Damien Wallen, Ada m Kitching and Ben Alberry (two).

Sadly two Henley players and a supporter were reported for misconduct after the match was concluded.

Chichester Priory won the women’s trophy, beating Broxbourne 8-3. They led 6-0 at half time with Verena Samble getting three of their first four goals.

Firebrands men and Whitley Bay women kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation from the English League, by winning on the second day of the relegation series.

Firebrands came from 3-1 down to win 4-3 over City of Peterborough.

Whitley Bay & Tynemouth also trailed before beating Rover Oxford 3-1, a result that condemned Rover to relegation. Kath Smith scored twice=2 0 for Whitley in the second half.

copy for Sunday Express 25.4.2009