MIDDLESBROUGH Roller Hockey Club competed in the National League Cup trophy this weekend and came away with their first silverware of the season. Middlesbrough last won the trophy in 2007 and with current holders and National League champions Herne Bay United looking to hold on to their trophy this was going to be a stiff test for the Boro lads. Middlesbrough’s team took on a new shape for the weekend with summer signing Sam Kay making his debut for the club and Michael Ableson stepping up to captain the side.
Middlesbrough started the group stage well with comfortable wins in their opening two fixtures against what could have been tricky opposition, but they found their rhythm early on in both games and had too much class for their opposition.
Boro’s semi final game was against Northern rivals Grimsby. Grimsby only finished one point behind Middlesbrough in last season’s league campaign so this was going to be a huge test. The game started brightly with Middlesbrough pressuring their opposition right from the off, creating chance after chance in front of goal but were unable to break the deadlock. It took a moment of individual skill from Marc Rutland to turn his man and finish with ease to take Middlesbrough one goal ahead. Grimsby were not going to give up though and three minutes later they had their equalizer. With the game on a knife edge deep in the second half Middlesbrough remained unfazed and continued to press forward for a decisive winner. With 3 minutes remaining Marc Rutland once more delivered in front of goal, taking his opportunity well and giving the team a one goal advantage. With only minutes remaining Middlesbrough finished the game professionally retaining possession to prevent giving Grimsby any further opportunities.
The final saw Middlesbrough again facing arch rivals Herne Bay United in yet another epic North vs. South battle. Both teams started cautiously with neither one wanting to make an early mistake. It was Herne Bay United who settled first, taking the lead early on. Middlesbrough struggled to find their rhythm and looked uncharacteristically nervous with Herne Bay United continuing to dominate and creating plenty of chances. Middlesbrough, buoyed by a run of impressive victories have new belief for the season however and started to take back control of the game. Following a rather fortuitous strike they found themselves back in the game with the score tied at 1-1. Herne Bay United remained confident, continuing to attack, getting another goal just before the interval to make it 2-1. During half time Middlesbrough remained calm and looked to start the second half with a new level of intensity. Within minutes of the restart new boy Sam Kay showed great composure to level the score before Marc Rutland put the Teesiders in front for the first time in the game minutes later. Middlesbrough were now dominating the game, with HBU needing to push forward if they were to have a chance of equalising. Boro missed a string of chances in front of goal and were punished when HBU grabbed a scrappy equaliser with only four minutes remaining. Both teams were now looking nervous and the game seemed destined for extra time. After a series of reflex saves from Middlesbrough keeper Dan Palmer, Michael Ableson combined brilliantly with Owen Stewart at the other end before slotting home with only a minute remaining. Middlesbrough saw the final seconds out by holding the ball and claimed their first silverware of the season in style.
Middlesbrough start their league campaign on Saturday the 10th October, 8pm at the Rainbow Leisure centre, all are welcome.
John Jones
