WARWICK’s second team almost caused a big upset at home to league leaders Harborne but eventually lost out 4-3 in what was a thrilling game of hockey.
Revenge was on the cards for Warwick who were looking to avenge the 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and they made the perfect starting when John MacDonald fired the home side in front.
The goal sparked Harborne into life and two goals from short corners saw the visitors take a 2-1 lead with just 15 minutes played.
James Thomas suffered a nasty blow to the knee which meant that Ian Best stepped up to be a makeshift left back and this proved to be a turning point as Warwick regained the lead before half time through another goal from MacDonald followed by an excellent short corner strike from Neil McLester.
Early in the second half Greg Bowler injured his hand and Stevie Gibson received a green card for a very innocuous tackle.
This meant that with no fit subs Warwick were down to ten men and it eventually took its toll.
James Thomas fought through the pain barrier but missed a good chance to extend Warwick’s lead with 15 minutes remaining, while both Ali Clark and Ben cooper worked hard to create some width which helped the hosts create several chances which were not taken.
And Harborne made them pay by scoring two goals in the final six minutes to secure a 4-3 win, although John Kane did strike the bar inbetween Harborne’s two late goals.
The men’s third team also tasted defeat after losing 1-0 away at Bournville in what proved to be a game of few chances.
Neither team could find a breakthrough in the opening period with David Harris and Dan Honey-Smith playing well at the back for Warwick.
But with the game opening up in the second half, Toby Harper-Lawerence was eventually beaten late in the second half.
There was success for the men’s fourth team however after they thumped Edgbaston’s sixth string team 9-2 with man of the match James Allison picking up no fewer than five assists.
A must win game for the men’s sixth team saw them defeat Coventry & North Warwickshire 7-2. Warwick found themselves 2-1 down at half-time but goals from Steve Lycett (2), Wilbur Williams (2), Matt Smith (2) and Dave Bray completed a remarkable turnaround.
In the women’s section, Warwick’s fourth team beat Rugby & East Warwickshire by a single goal which moves Warwick nine points clear for their fourth placed rivals.
Warwick had the better of the play in the first half and created many chances but the experienced Rugby defence managed to stifle the flying Warwick forwards shots on goal.
The second half finally produced a goal when Holly Nicholls followed up on a rebounding shot off the post, to secure the well-deserved win.
Anyone interested in joining Warwick should contact Dom Simpson on 07971 815761 or go to www.warwickhockey.co.uk.
