Hockey: Alderley victorious against the odds

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Despite going into the opening round of league fixtures with 19 players from the top two squads unavailable, Alderley Edge Hockey Club made a fantastic start to the league campaign.

The Men’s 1st team started the game with a bare 11 players, many forced to play out of position against Chester in North Division 1.

It was Alderley who started the brighter pinning Chester in their own half and just rewards came when James Warburton rifled home a penalty corner. It was two-nil as Ben Gregory, making his first appearance for the season, weaved his way into the Chester D, before being unceremoniously upended, and Warburton dispatched the resulting penalty stroke.

By this time Alderley were able to start rolling their players as Raj Kay had arrived direct from the airport following a delayed flight.

Chester scored from a penalty corner nearing half time to make it 2-1. The second half was similar to the first with Cook and Williams impressive in defence and the midfield sticking to their task well. Alderley extended the lead when Adam Wildig was on hand to finish off Gregory’s clever reverse stick cross from a neat break away. The game was wrapped up as Warburton completed his hat-trick.

The second team who had many players making their first start at that level ran out fantastic 3-2 winners away at Formby. Leading 3-0 through Chris Hardy, Oli Hall and Andrew Walker, they held off a spirited fight back to deservedly take home the spoils.

An even more remarkable result for the 3rd team, considering the upheaval above them was their 2-1 away win at local rivals Wilmslow.

With 6 men’s and 6 ladies’ teams now in the league, Alderley are able to offer hockey to all levels and ages. And with the new playing facility only weeks away from opening in the village, it is looking like a very promising season ahead.

This is a member post by James Riley.

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Hockey
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