With rain falling in Italy it felt like home but HBU did not perform as in Herne Bay and on the strange terrazzo rink felt enormous strain on legs and ankles that sapped energy fast.

Modena started as expected of professionals, maintaining excellent possession against a HBU, playing their seasons second match, defending well and settling into the game until a penalty awarded to Modena was converted.

A minute later HBU missed a penalty, though despite the setbacks they kept concentration to keep Modena at bay, not scoring their first goal from open play till 18 minutes, but this was followed by 3 more by half time (5–0).

In the second half Modena scored early, but HBU immediately replied through a slap shot from Brendan Barker from the half way, which the confused Swiss referee saw as a deflection by captain McVey.

Confusion continued as the referee increasingly saw incidents of players falling, even over their own goalkeeper, as fouls and cards totted to force HBU’s team changes, which culminated when Karl Smith tried to retrieve his stick from a Modena hand when the Italian let go, hitting himself on the head, and earning smith 5 minutes.

Seconds later McVey received another yellow and the referee added the cards, including his Italian counterparts, issuing a red card with 8 minutes to go.

The tired, dispirited HBU then slipped to their worst European Cup defeat for 8 years, 15-1, with referee later admitting his mistake and agreeing to make a report so McVey can play the home leg.

The HBU Team included Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nic Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker, David Garlick. The return match will be in Herne Bay, 14 December at 8pm, tickets at £3.50.

More info: Article submitted by HBU
Reporter: Kos Galtos