Sheffield Wildcats had a weekend of contrasts. Despite being bottom of the Premier League, they are sitting pretty at the top of the Northern Counties Menengini/RollerSkater Elite League, after recording 3 more wins at Willington Spectrum on Sunday.
Sheffield lead fellow Premier League outfits Manchester and Middlesbrough, but both teams have games in hand on the leaders in the league.
“It was a pleasure to referee on the day” said Tony Czifra, with all teams playing hard but fair hockey, with only a few minor incidents, and only 1 player (Ian Smith of Middlesbrough) receiving a Red Card – dissent.
Willington Spectrum, although beaten by both Sheffield and Boro, played some delightful hockey, and can be proud of their return to senior hockey after more than 5 years absence.
Spectrum, missing key player Graham Henderson due to a 4 match ban, were beaten by 2 very strong teams, consisting of many Premier League and England players. The team played some excellent moves, and with the blend of Youth and Experience in the side, should do well during the rest of the season (and perhaps ND1 or 2 next season?? Only time will tell!).
The surprise package of the event was Sheffield Ladies. They saved their best performance of the day till last, and lead 4-1 at half time against Spectrum.
Pippa Cook, playing her first season in senior hockey was too much for the Spectrum lads to handle, and scored a first half hat-trick to put pressure on the lads. Pippa, who is eagerly awaiting news of whether she has been selected for England Ladies Under 18’s, fit well into the style and aggressive play of the likes of Senior Players Clare Hallam and Julie Finch, and despite a 2nd half fight back by Spectrum, who eventually won the game, the Ladies were impressive.
Despite the dissappointing withdrawal of Moss Side from the Elite league (perhaps trying to play at too high a level too soon? Dissappointed at not winning a game?), the league is progressing well.
“All matches were double reffed. As usual, a very well organised tournament and a credit to the NCRHA, and the hosts Willington Spectrum” concluded Tony Czifra.
For full details of the results, league table and fixtures, see the ‘competitions’ page.
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Reporter: Tony Czifra
