HERNE BAY UNITED WANT TO SAY THANK –YOU TO ALL THE SUPPORTERS AND SKATERS WHO CAME TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE CAMPAIGN TO KEEP A SUITABLE SPORTS VENUE IN THE TOWN.

The young skaters on the floor in the ‘all skate’ before the start of the matches represented the future – they must be considered by the powers that be making the decisions on the type and location of a new sports venue. They were only a small percentage of the numbers who are in training in the 4 local clubs, Hockey and Artistic.

The excellent turnout of supporters in the stands included players from earlier years and visitors from other clubs. Unfortunately not many of the invited councillors and committee members had the courage to attend which was disappointing.

Everyone enjoyed the good hockey matches with Herne Bay United having wins from both games.
Last year’s HBU v Bury was a night to remember and although this time it was not a decider as Mac’s HBU had already clinched the National Title it was still an exciting game.
Bury St Edmunds were without 2 key players in Darrell Pearce and Jack Holmes who were both in attendance but serving match bans. Bury were determined to give their all to show they were worthy runners-up.
HBU’s Brendan Barker opened the scoring just 20 seconds after the start but Bury’s Joe Wheatley levelled a minute later. Determined to keep his team ahead Brendan scored his second shortly followed by Joe Wheatley doing the same. Neil Austin put his side ahead and Simon Hosking within the next minute. This score of HBU 4 Bury 2 stayed the same for the remainder of the half.

Once again Barker opened the scoring, this time taking 29 seconds but once again Wheatley retaliated within the minute. Chris Espejo, made the next goal which was matched shortly after by one from Bury’s Carlos Amaral. Jess I’Anson reduced HBU’s lead to 1 goal and with 20 minutes still to play the pressure was now on HBU to up their game.
The local side responded in true HBU style and put 6 away courtesy of Neil Austin 2, Simon Hosking 2, Brendan Barker 1, Chris Espejo 1. Bury managed 1 more by Carlos Amaral with 1 minute on the clock but Simon Hosking had the final goal of the match with 27 seconds remaining.
Final Score Mac’s HBU 13 Bury 6
Herne Bay United have now claimed the title of National Champions for the 12th time in the last 14 years!