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Bedford Mixed are runners up in the England Hockey national trophy final

Bedford Mixed are runners up in the England Hockey national trophy final

Kate Costin8 Jun 2015 - 11:59
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For a second year in a row, BHC were runners up in the England Hockey Mixed Trophy after a 3-0 final defeat against Harleston Magpies at Lee Valley

Bedford Hockey Club Mixed Team made the final of the England Hockey trophy competition after a 2-1 semi final win against Horsham but were out played in the final by Harleston Magpies who ran out 3-0 worthy winners.

In glorious sunshine and playing at the prestigious Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis centre on the Olympic Park, Bedford secured a place in the final on Saturday after two second half goals from Alex Drummond sealed a deserved 2-1 win. Just 46 seconds into the game and Clare Beattie unfortunately suffered an ankle injury which brought a premature end to her involvement but it was a half which for the most part Bedford controlled. James Bilham and Emma Pinny marshalled the game well in the screen roles whilst Simba Chigwada was a constant threat to the Horsham with his pace and power. Chances were at a premium but the Horsham keeper did make saves from Chigwada, Costin and McDonald in the opening 35. As the half wore on Bedford found themselves down to nine players after yellow cards for both Rob Tarrant and Matt Wilson but Simon Dolan in the Bedford goal was equal to the Horsham pressure. Bedford had to get through a mad 5 minutes of pressure before half time and Becky Childs was voted player of the match for some dynamic tackling on the Bedford left.

In the second half and Bedford stepped up their game but still not able to deliver their best passing hockey which they had showed in previous rounds of the competition. Never the less Simba Chigwada earned Bedford a penalty stroke after being taken out by the Horsham keeper and Drummond stepped up cooly to convert. Bedford quickly doubled their lead after a flowing attacking move involving Costin, McDonald and Chigwada saw Drummond finishing a diving shot on his reverse with aplomb. Again Bedford were reduced to 10 players, but the defence of Rachel Jackson, SJ Darrington, Paul Henwood and Beth Noble held strong only beaten with a fine individual finish to bring the scores back to 2-1 but Bedford held on with Dan Mason adding his calmness in the final stages to win 2-1 and set up a final against East rivals Harleston Magpies.

The final on Sunday was again played in glorious sunshine at 4pm. Bedford knew they needed to be at their best to claim the trophy but were confident they could improve on their semi final showing and make amends for a thrashing in last years final to West Herts. Bedford made the brighter start, but it was a first half of few chances for the maroons with the magpies captain controlling proceedings from the back. Bedford looked the more likely but found themselves 1-0 down from a controversial short corner which appeared to be over back board height before being deflected past Si Dolan. The magpies then doubled their lead after a flowing move and emphatic strike so led 2-0 at the break.

Bedford tried to refocus on their basics and certainly in the second half stepped up their game. SJ Darrington and Matt Wilson were combining nicely down the right and this time it was Harleston who found themselves numbers down however their defence was standing firm and in fact it was Bedford who were grateful to Alex Drummond for a phenomenal goal line clearance from a corner to keep them in the game. Bedford started to create opportunities in front of goal with Wilson denied from close range while Mason fired over on his reverse. It just wasn't to be for Bedford and for all their effort they couldn't match the Magpies quality on the day. Harleston scored a third from a penalty stroke and with the clock running out Becky Childs just couldn't quite reach a cross fired towards the back post and it was Harleston who took the trophy home back to Norfolk.

Bedford will be aiming to make it third time lucky next season and would like to thank all their supporters who came down to Lee Valley for the weekend as well as all the England Hockey organisers and volunteers who made the weekend very enjoyable for all the teams.

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