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Home > Roller Hockey News > Roller Hockey News 2005-2006 Season

Hockey stick Roller Hockey News 2005-2006 Season

Annual Presentations

Herne Bay United's annual presentations were given out following the Mix and Match Tournament held on 7th July 2006. All junior age group teams were presented with certificates to mark their performances and the other awards were as follows:

Most improved under 11 2006  Most improved under 13 2006  Most improved under 15 2006
Most improved under 17 2006  Senior player of the year 2006  Players player of the year 2006
The Mix and Match tournament was won by the Green team who received cinema vouchers. Well done everyone!

Posted: 31 July 2006
Reported by: Karen Botting

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Senior Euro Championships - Monza, Italy

Brendan Barker and Karl Smith have been part of the Senior England team playing in the European Championships being held in Monza, Italy. The team lost 8 - 0 against Spain and 5 - 0 against France, but then went on to beat Germany 2 - 1, Andorra 3 - 2 and Austria 10 - 4, finishing sixth out of 9 teams. Full match reports can be found at www.nrha.co.uk.

Posted: 25 July 2006
Reported by: Karen Botting

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Senior Euro Championships in Monza - Team Named

Carlos Amaral has confirmed the names of the players to compete in European Championships in Monza, Italy, starting on Mon 17th - 22nd July. Nine countries will participate in this competition which will have 2 phases, group stage (3 groups with England, Spain and France on Group A) and quarters-final to decide the semi-finalist. The other 5 teams will compete for 5th to 9th places.

FINAL SQUAD TEAM MANAGEMENT This event will play a key part in the preparation for the World A Championships being staged in Montreux, Switzerland, in summer of 2007.

Posted: 23 July 2006

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Inter-Herne Bay Roller Hockey Tournament

On Saturday 19 August 2006 between 6pm and 9pm at the Pier Pavilion in Herne Bay, the first inter-Herne Bay roller hockey tournament will he held as part of the Herne Bay Festival. Admission is FREE so bring the whole family. More details to follow shortly. CANCELLED

Posted: 22 July 2006
Reported by: Mark Botting

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National Cup: Herne Bay United 10 - 9 Bury (Played: Saturday 8 July)

Herne Bay United created roller hockey history at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday when they became the first team to achieve the treble. Neil Austin scored the extra time golden goal cup final decider against Bury which sparked huge celebrations. Player manager Phil McVey said: "We are delighted to win the cup, but certainly made it difficult for ourselves, but got the result in the end. You have to take your hat off to Bury, they played their part in another epic game. I'm proud of what we have achieved this season. We have won every game in all domestic competitions, and we are the first team to win the treble. I'd like to thank the players for all the hard work they have put in. After winning nothing last season, they have responded brilliantly."

Austin put United ahead inside two minutes, only for Bury to level with Joe Wheatley's long range shot beating Dan Barton. Carlos Amaral's penalty put Bury 2 - 1 up, only for Austin to get his second of the night a minute later, before the game began to get very physical, culminating in McVey being sin-binned after receiving a second yellow card for a high challenge. Bay went in front in the last minute of the first half when Brendan Barker produced a well taken individual goal, but the second half was a much more open affair.

Austin completed his hat-trick 45 seconds after the restart, and then Chris Espejo got another half a minute later as Bay went 5 - 2 up. Amaral pulled one back for Bury, but Austin's fourth made it 6 - 3 and captain Simon Hosking extended the lead, only for United to concede three in two minutes. Barker swiftly made it 8 - 6 and Karl Smith got the ninth, but United again allowed Bury back in the game, as they tied things up at 9 - 9.

Bury hit the crossbar in the first 30 seconds of extra time and then Bay goalkeeper Garrett Priestley pulled off an excellent double save to deny Wheatley. The ball dropped on the edge of the United penalty area, McVey reacted quickest, slipping the ball through to Barker, who sprinted half the length of the rink, before crossing to the far post where Austin arrived to score the winner.

Hosking added: "We were three goals up twice and shouldn't have let them back in. We stuck with it though and showed great character to go on and win it. The gaffer got us together at the end of normal time and reminded us that we are the champions, and should get out there and show everyone why. It was exactly what we needed, it focused our minds and we went out there and did it. We are all thrilled to win the cup and complete the treble."

Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nic Espejo, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Steve Newman, Garrett Priestley

Posted: 13 July 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Euro Under 20's Championships - National Team Named

Carlos Amaral has confirmed the names of the players selected for the National Team to compete in the European Juniors Championships. These will take place in St Omer from August 26th - 2nd September 2006. Management Team: There is a full programme of Training Sessions in the run-up to the event and all these players have been notified by Ken Pughe, the Team Manager.

Posted: 05 July 2006

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National Cup Finals 2006

The Finals of the National Cup Competitions are being held at the Pier Pavilion Herne Bay on Saturday 8th July 2006. Start time is 10.00am and the order of play is as follows: Referees appointed to the Cup Final Matches have been named by Referees Officer, Mike Richardson, as:
As well as the Cups of the above events all the League Trophies and medals will be presented. Individual Player of the Year for each age group and Caps for National Team players will be also be presented. The Referee of the Year has this time been selected after a vote by all the clubs involved in National League hockey.

The local Clubs are using this event of the Cup Finals as part of their campaign to keep a Rink in the town of Herne Bay where Roller Hockey has been played since 1910. It is still a stronghold for the sport and it is vital for Roller Hockey in the UK that it remains so.

The Lord Mayor has confirmed his attendance and he will be making the presentations at the end of the day. Other Local councillor's and dignitaries have been invited to attend and make some presentations in the expectation of local publicity. A good attendance is urged and everyone is asked to be vocal in their support of the teams and if questioned add their support to the campaign. This Saturday is a full day's hockey, show casing all age levels from around the country. A not to be missed experience!

Posted: 01 July 2006

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Mix 'n' Match Club Match

Friday 7th July 2006 will see the end of season Mix 'n' Match at the Pier.

This is when we get together as many club members as possible, seniors down to our very youngest players, and have teams made up of different age groups and play games. We also present our Club awards during the evening.

We will start at 6.00 pm (so be at the rink by 5.30pm) and will finish at around 8.00pm.

Posted: 30 June 2006

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Under 11's team photograph 17 June 2006

ECRHA Under 11's League

HBU sent a team along to the last of the Under 11 tournaments to be held this season in the Eastern Counties on Saturday 17 June 2006.

The team included a 'new' goal keeper and two new players all experiencing their first taste of tournament hockey. All learnt a lot from the day and came away a win under their belts and helped the team to end their first season playing at the Under 11 age group, third in a league of seven teams, a very respectable start to their hockey careers.

Team: Charlie Botting, Connor Botting, Michael Gregory, Connor Hampshire, Alex Mount, Brandon Thomas, Joseph Upton and Harry Rowbotham.

Posted: 27 June 2006

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Herne Bay United players at Barcelona training session 17 June 2006

Barcelona Training

Some of Herne Bay United's youngsters travelled to Barcelona to represent the England Roller Hockey teams at an event organised by Carlos Amaral, the National Coaching Director for the National Roller Hockey Association, and the Spanish Roller Hockey Federation and included a team of Under 13's, Under 15's and Ladies Under 17's. These events are becoming a more regular occurrence and are providing the up and coming players with more experience of playing the sport in countries where Roller Hockey is a professional sport and is given more support at all levels than it is in England.

The players who took part are:
Kelly Fox, Rebecca Lawrence and Emily Sheppard represented the Ladies Under 17's.
Ben Barton, Sam Rowbotham and Daniel Butcher represented the Under 15's.
Ashley Barton, Eddie Mount and Alfie Sheppard represented the Under 13's.

Posted: 27 June 2006

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Premier League: Herne Bay United 2 12 - Sheffield 9 (Played: Saturday 27 May 2006)

Skipper Joe Fidock praised his players for their commitment and effort after Herne Bay United's second string beat Sheffield 12-9 in their final game of the season at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday to retain their Premier League spot.

Fidock, whose side were playing at this level for the first time, said: "Everyone was nervous and the tension got to them. If we had lost the game we would have had to go in the play-offs. Due to the full commitment of all the players and team effort during the season, our game has improved match by match, and we are now becoming a team to be reckoned with. I want to thank all the players and management for helping us achieve this year's success."

Team: Jon Barton, Dave Beeson (GK), Arran Bowyer, Robert Carnell, Steve Clark, Joe Fidock (Cpt), Joe King, Paul McVey, Paul Nelson (GK), Charlie Pughe

Posted: 03 June 2006

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Premier League: Mac's Herne Bay United 13 - 6 Bury (Played: Saturday 13 May)

Mac's Herne Bay United's player manager Phil McVey was full of praise for the club's achievements after Saturday's 13 - 6 win over runners-up Bury completed an impressive season. HBU claimed their 12th league title in 14 years, and McVey said: "I am delighted as it means we have a 100 per cent record in the league and gained maximum points. Having lost the league last season the lads have responded brilliantly. We didn't just win, we won with style and sportsmanship. No manager could have asked for more."

Brendan Barker put Bay in front after just 20 seconds, but Joe Wheatley levelled for Bury a minute later. Both players netted again before Neil Austin and captain Simon Hosking made it 4 - 2 at the interval.

Barker scored again less than 30 seconds after the restart, but Wheatley added Bury's third as the two teams traded goal for goal with Chris Espejo for HBU and Carlos Amaral and Jess L'Anson netting for Bury as they closed to within one of levelling the score. Austin (2), Hosking (2), Barker and Espejo eased Bay in front as they scored six without reply, but Amaral netted again, before Hosking scored the final goal of the match in the dying seconds.

Hosking added: "We wanted to prove a point against Bury. The team were hurting last year, and now we are going for the double and want to win the cup as well."

Posted: 18 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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National Cup: Mac's Herne Bay United 6 - 2 Grimsby (Played: Sunday 14 May

Simon Hosking scored twice as HBU reached the semi-final with a 6 - 2 win over Grimsby on Sunday morning. Austin, Barker, Espejo and Matt Barton were on the scoresheet, and now travel to Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

Posted: 18 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: HBU 2nd 10 - 1 Grimsby (Played: Saturday 13 May) and HBU 2nd 6 - 4 Middlesbrough (Played: Sunday 14 May)

HBU 2 needed to win their final three games to avoid the relegation play-offs and beat Grimsby and Middlesbrough at the weekend. Their 10 - 1 win over Grimsby on Saturday evening was followed by a 6 - 4 victory over the Middlesbrough the following morning.

Against Grimsby they were 4 - 0 up at the break, boosted by the experience of former England international Paul McVey, back at the club after a decade in Ireland. McVey scored twice with Arran Bowyer and captain Joe Fidock adding further goals. Joe King and Steve Clarke made it 6 - 0, before youngest player Nick Johnson got another. McVey then took his personal tally to five, and King bagged another.

Middlesbrough were expected to provide the most difficult game in the run-in, having beaten HBU 2nd 9 - 0 on Teeside, but McVey (3), skipper Fidock (2) and Jon Barton scored the important goals. Bay face bottom side Sheffield in the final game of the season on Saturday week.

Phil McVey said: "I was thrilled with the performances in both games. The team defended brilliantly and fully deserved to win both games." Fidock added: "The team has never played better, and have given ourselves an excellent chance of avoiding relegation."

Posted: 18 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Pier Pavilion future

A special display of roller hockey and artistic skaters made a point in front of councillors and officials on Saturday night. Dignitaries were invited to the Pier Pavilion for the final round of matches of the Premier League season. But before the games got under way more than 200 young skaters took to the rink in a defiant gesture to show just what the sport means to Herne Bay.

Those involved with the sport in the town are concerned that the Pier facility has a limited shelf life, and plans to build a replacement facility at Herne Bay High School would not be able to provide the required space for spectators. Aileen Barker, senior team co-ordinator of Herne Bay United Roller Hockey Club, said: "We wanted to make people aware just how serious this is an issue. The campaign is to maintain a suitable sports venue in our town. And when I say sports I don’t mean just roller hockey. We need a venue that will cater for volleyball, basketball, table tennis, athletics, fencing, as well as roller skating. There has been a rink on the pier since the 1880s," said Mrs Barker. "If we have to move it will be traumatic, but we'll handle it as long as we are given a decent replacement site. Spectators are crucial. You can fit 500 seats in the pier so that is the minimum we are asking for, although if we were to dream we would say 1,000."

Roger Pout, general secretary of the Kent County Roller Hockey Association, said: "Under Canterbury City Council proposals, the new site will have removable seating for less than 200 people. With only 200 seats, clubs will eventually fold simply because no roller skating events will be held there."

MP Roger Gale agrees a bigger venue is necessary. "If we are indeed to replace the Pier Pavilion then we must secure funding for an improved venue that will accommodate perhaps up to 1,000 people," he said. But while Mr Gale praised the city council administration for "giving consideration to the replacement of the Pier Pavilion", he may be disappointed to learn their sums do not match his own. City council spokesman Rob Davies said: "Although no decision has been reached on the number of seats, it may fall short of expectations on the grounds of commercial viability."

Posted: 18 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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All Skate event

Herne Bay United are expecting a big crowd for the last games in this season's National premier League at the Pier Pavilion. The future of the sport in the town is in doubt, with plans to switch it to the High School, and the club have issued an invitation to all local councillors and committee members involved in the decision-making process. Mac's HBU senior team co-ordinator Aileen Barker, general secretary of the National Roller Hockey Federation and a member of the European Governing Body Committee, said: "It will affect many people across the country and Kent, not just in Herne Bay. We are organising an All Skate event before the match with Bury on Saturday night involving young skaters, both roller hockey and artistic. These are youngsters who are just beginning in the sport as a serious hobby, some as young as four years old."

Bay, already crowned National Champions, meet runners-up and last year's winners Bury St Edmunds on Saturday (7.45pm) and then face Grimsby in the first round of the national knock out cup the following morning (9.30 am). HBU's second Premier League team meet Grimsby on Saturday night, and then host Middlesbrough on Sunday (11am).

Posted: 11 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Mac's Herne Bay United 8 - 1 Herne (Played: Saturday 8 April)

Herne Bay United captain Simon Hosking has a historic treble in his sights after they regained the Premier League title with an 8 - 1 win over local rivals Herne at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. United have now won the league 12 times in the past 13 seasons, equalling the record set by Southsea in the 1980's. The only thing to dampen the mood was the news that the sport could be lost to the town if the pier is chosen as a site to build a new casino. Player manager Phil McVey, who sat out the game because of a one-match ban, said: "It will be a sad day when the pier closes as a sports centre. I know things move on, but I am very concerned about what will replace it. Herne Bay is the centre of roller skating in this country, it is the best rink available and if the sport dies here, it will die nationwide."

Hosking added: "We want to go and win the treble - no side has ever done it in the history of the game in this country. We're champions again and it's a great feeling," he added. "I want to thank the gaffer on behalf of the players, we couldn't have done it without him. His passion and enthusiasm are unrivalled and he has driven us on all season. We are determined to win our last league game of the season, at home to last year's winners Bury, and prove a point that we are the best team in England."

McVey added: "We are absolutely thrilled to regain the title. The players have responded brilliantly this year, and we have achieved our objective with one game to go. We are unbeaten, and I'm proud of the lads. They have listened and learned this season and our results reflect that. We have won the league cup and the league, and we now want to win the National Cup. We have a tough quarter-final against Grimsby next month, but I'm confident we can do it."

Neil Austin opened the scoring after six minutes, before Hosking doubled the lead four minutes later. The skipper added a second before Brendan Barker got the fourth, Paul Goulbourne pulling one back for Herne just before the break, when Bay led 4 - 1. Barker got the fifth inside two minutes of the restart, before Austin added three more in the final 10 minutes, to take his tally in the game to four.

Team: Dan Barton, Chris Espejo, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking , Neil Austin, Nic Espejo, Brendan Barker, Dave Garlick

Posted: 13 April 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: HBU 2nd 7 - 6 Sheffield

HBU 2nd Premier League team beat Sheffield 7 - 6, despite being 3 - 1 down at one stage. Paul McVey scored early on and Joe King got a second as Bay went in at half time 4 - 2 down. Tempers boiled over at times, but four goals in three minutes by Steve Lark, McVey and two penalties by Joe Fidock put Bay level, with McVey getting his third two minutes from the end.

Team: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Charlie Pughe, Steve Clark, Jon Barton, Paul McVey, Joe King, James Hoare, Dave Beeson

Posted: 30 March 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Under 11's

HBU Under 11's travelled to new club East Grinstead for a friendly tournament. They played three games, winning one, drawing one and losing one.

Posted: 30 March 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Herne Bay United Macs 6 - Middlesbrough 5 (Played:Sunday 26 March 2006)

Brendan Barker hit four as leaders HBU moved five points clear at the top of the table after coming from 2 - 0 down to edge out their tough North East opponents at the Pier Pavilion on Sunday.

Player-manager Phil McVey, sent off in a feisty second half, said: "I was extremely pleased to get the win as we didn't play well, but ground out the victory. I was disappointed to be dismissed, it was my first red card for 10 years, and I thought it was harsh." Captain Simon Hosking added: "It's the sign of a good team to play badly and still win the game, and we did it because we wanted it more than they did. We haven't won anything yet though."

Bay were behind after only three minutes when a slapshot deflected off Phil McVey's stick, wrong-footing keeper Dave Garlic. Boro doubled their lead a minute later when a shot went through McVey's legs, but two quick strikes by Brendan Barker levelled things up at 2-2. United seemed to ease off again and paid the price by conceding two more before half time as Boro went in 4-2 ahead. Hosking scored Bay's third five minutes after the restart, forcing the ball home from a tight angle, and then McVey came off the bench to score a penalty and put the home side level at 4-4 with 13 minutes left.

Tempers began to fray in the liveliest spell of the game and a fracas in the Middlesbrough penalty area saw HBU's Neil Austin sin-binned, and then McVey was sent off after disputing a blue card following a collision with an opponent. Boro scored from the spot to lead 5-4.

United felt aggrieved with the officials and responded when Barker completed his hat-trick, finishing off an excellent three-man move to bring the scores level again, and then Barker slapped home his fourth of the game to complete an exciting win. The Bay marksman said: "It was tough out there, and it would be great to win top goalscorer award this year, but I don't care as long as the team wins, that's all that matters to me."

HBU's next game is next week against local rivals Herne Utd.

Posted: 23 May 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Sheffield 2 - 22 Mac's Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 18 March)

Mac's Herne Bay United beat Sheffield 22 - 2 at the Barnsley Metrodome on Saturday to put themselves a point clear of arch rivals Bury at the top of the league with a game in hand. Brendan Barker hit seven goals, Neil Austin and player manager Phil McVey five apiece, Simon Hosking, four and Steven Newman one.

McVey said: "I'm pleased with the manner in which we won. It's difficult to maintain the team work and discipline when you are so far ahead, and easy for the players to start dribbling and show-boating. There was none of that, it was a good disciplined performance, exactly what I was looking for. The title is almost in our grasp, but we haven't won it yet. We need to build on this. We have two tough games coming up this weekend, away to Letchworth on Saturday, and at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday morning. If we win both of those I think Bury will struggle to catch us."

Captain Hosking added: "We are all extremely pleased with the result. The gaffer showed us how to do it properly today by scoring five and led by example. If we maintain our discipline and do what he tells us, we should be all right. It hurt us losing the league to Bury last year, we are not going to make the same mistake this year."

United dominated the game from start to finish and bottom side Sheffield could not live with their pace and superior passing. The game itself was not even a contest, so huge was the gulf in class.

Posted: 23 March 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Mac's Herne Bay United 11 - 6 Grimsby, Mac's Herne Bay United 11 - 6 HBU 2nd and HBU 2nd 5 - 4 Herne

Mac's Herne Bay United kept up their pursuit of the National Premier League title with 11 - 6 victories against Grimsby and Herne Bay United 2nd at the Pier Pavilion. The weekend also saw a first win of the season for HBU 2nd with a 5 - 4 success over Herne.

United's first string were well below their best in the first half of Saturday's match against Grimsby and it needed a half-time blast by player manager Phil McVey to spark them into life. McVey said: "I wasn't happy with the commitment of the players, and I told them so. The second half was much better, the game between our two club sides was good game. I was much happier with the performance of HBU 2nd than I was with Mac's HBU."

Captain Simon Hosking had United ahead inside a minute against Grimsby and just three minutes later Austin made it 2 - 0 up with a well-taken flick shot. Grimsby then began to get themselves back into the game, with Andrew Sims pulling a goal back before Will Dring beat two players to score past United keeper Dan Barton. Immediately from the restart Barker restored United's lead with a well-taken slap shot and, with Grimsby still reeling, Austin claimed his second. Once again United eased off again and two goals in as many minutes from Sims completed his hat-trick to leave the teams level at the interval.

Within five minutes of the restart goals from McVey, Austin and three from Hosking had put United 9 - 4 in front. Sims managed two more for Grimsby, but replies from Jackson and Austin made the final margin of victory comfortable.

United's second team, bottom of the table, fell behind to a Paul Goulbourne goal after seven minutes against Herne and, with three minutes of the half remaining, Matt Barton equalised from a penalty, only for Tommy Harbord to restore Herne's lead from the restart. Veteran Paul McVey again brought United level early in the second half, and within three minutes Robert Carnell and McVey combined brilliantly for Carnell to make it 3 - 2. Peter Taylor tied the game at 3 - 3 with a drive that went like a bullet into the top right hand corner, but United continued to push and two own goals in two minutes earned them a 5 - 3 lead. Herne did not give up, however, and Rob Singleton pulled one back, leaving United to hold out for the final 11 minutes.

United's second team threatened to spring a surprise when early goals from Joe Fidock and James Hoare put them 2 - 0 up against their first string, but by half time they trailed 6 - 2. The second half was more even, with both sides creating chances, but the first team outscored their clubmates five to four to take the points. United second team captain Joe Fidock said they were delighted to break their duck in the top flight. He said: "We are over the moon with our first win. The lads would like to thank our coaches Phil McVey and Ken Pughe. We've all put a lot of work in, we lost 10 - 0 earlier in the season to Herne, and now we've beaten them, which shows how much we have improved."

Posted: 16 March 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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ECRHA Under 11's

Herne Bay United's under 11 team won three games out of four when they travelled to Burwell, Cambridgeshire, for their fourth tournament of the Eastern Counties League season. The results put HBU in third place in the league, a fine achievement by a young team who continue to improve. Michael Gregory, Harry Rowbotham and Connor Hampshire, along with goalkeeper Eddie Mount, were good in defence, with Ashley Barton, Alex Mount, Brandon Thomas and Lewis Greenwood working hard in attack.

Posted: 16 March 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Middlesbrough 6 - 9 Herne Bay United

Herne Bay United's long trip to the north east reaped rewards when they landed a 9 - 6 win over Middlesbrough in the traditionally hard fixture at the Rainbow Centre. Inclement weather delayed the journey, ensuring United arrived only 10 minutes before the start and with no time for a warm-up. Middlesbrough capitalised, pressed United from the start and went ahead within a minute through John Jones' flick shot. United began to get the pace of the game and equalised 10 minutes in when captain Simon Hosking beat two players before netting with a low shot. From the restart Neil Austin hit a backhanded shot from distance that flew into the back of the net past an unsighted keeper. Although the hosts pushed for an equaliser, they could not break down United's strong defence and then Austin sprinted the length of the rink to make it 3 - 1. United continued to outplay the home side and a brace of expertly taken goals from in-form striker Karl Smith made it 5 - 1 to United at the break.

Middlesbrough rallied after the break without beating veteran keeper Garrett Priestley and United responded when Brendan Barker beat three before coolly slotting home the sixth goal. United were guilty of easing up, allowing Middlesbrough to hit back with three goals in as many minutes. With eight minutes remaining Barker passed to player manager Phil McVey to hit the seventh with an unstoppable slapshot, then Austin completed his hat-trick and Hosking netted to complete the rout. Player boss McVey said: "After a slow start we were in total control of the game, the win sets us up nicely for Saturday's trip to Bury."

Posted: 16 February 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Grimsby 6 - 5 HBU 2nd

The trek back from Grimsby proved a hard one for HBU 2nd after they lost their fifth Premier League outing of the campaign by the odd goal in 11. The match proved a highly charged and exciting affair with each team fighting hard for every ball. United's second string were always chasing the one-goal comfort zone that Grimsby kept through to the final whistle to win 6 - 5. United skipper Joe Fidock said the team had at last seemed to come into their own and were beginning to settle into a Premiership style of play.

Team: Dave Beeson, Arran Bowyer, Robert Carnell, Joe Fidock, Liam Holland, Joe King, Charlie Pughe

Posted: 16 February 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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SECRHA Under 15's

Despite fielding two under 13 players a weakened HBU under 15's landed a 7 - 1 away win at SECRHA League rivals Farnham on Sunday. HBU then went on to beat Lipson 8 - 1 and overcame Plymouth 7 - 1 in the final match to remain at the top of the table.

Team: Myles Barker, Ben Barton, Joel Carnell, Jake Fox, Tom Hawkins, Becca Lawrence, Wayne Taylor, Myles Tichband

Posted: 16 February 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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ECRHA Under 11's

HBU under 11's travelled to Burwell in Cambridgeshire to win two of their three games in Saturday's Eastern Counties tournament. They beat Ely 9 - 0, went down 5 - 0 to league leaders Kings Lynn but bounced back to edge a 3 - 2 win over Eastern Counties mixed. Manager Paul Mount said: "The team need to work hard on defence but did well considering this was only their third tournament of their first season."

Team: Ashley Barton, Michael Gregory, Lewis Greenwood, Connor Hampshire, Alex Mount, Eddie Mount, Harry Rowbotham, Brandon Thomas

Posted: 16 February 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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CERS Cup: Uttigen 9 - 1 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 21 January)

Player manager Phil McVey is backing his team to go from strength to strength despite their exit from the European Cup at the hands of Swiss team Uttigen. United went down 9 - 1 in Switzerland having lost the home leg 6 - 4, but McVey felt his players deserved more reward, conceding four goals in the final two minutes. McVey explained: "Obviously we were very disappointed with the result but the scoreline flattered Uttigen because we actually created more chances than they did. It just wasn't our night in front of goal. The most pleasing aspect of the game is that we played a style of hockey that we haven't played for about three years. Our team play was exceptional, and if we continue to play the passing, flowing team game we rediscovered tonight I predict we will regain our premiership crown from Bury. I feel the side have turned an important corner with our performance tonight."

Urged on by a 2,000-stong crown, Uttigen started the stronger in the second leg but United held firm until the 10th minute when the deadlock was broken. This spurred United into action and during the next five minutes they were denied by the woodwork on no less than seven occasions. In contrast, with just five minutes of the first half remaining, Uttigen scored their second, when a shot deflected off a stick to roll in past a wrong-footed Dan Barton. A minute before the break it was 3 - 0 as the Swiss struck again, this time courtesy of a well taken slapshot.

United came out strongly in the second half and, for the first 10 minutes, completely dominated, but still the luck deserted them, as they hit the post and crossbar at least another half a dozen times. With seven minutes remaining Uttigen pounced from a rare breakaway and almost immediately from the restart went 5 - 0 in front to put the tie well beyond United. The Bay side did, however, pull one back through Sam Jackson with four minutes left. But as they carried on attacking they over-committed and, in the last four minutes Uttigen scored four quick goals.

McVey added: "Uttigen are a great club, and we have made some great friends, but now we have to focus on our premier league game against local rival Herne at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday night."

Posted: 26 January 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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CERS Cup: Herne Bay United 4 - 6 Uttigen (Played: Saturday 7 January)

There was controversy and drama when Herne Bay United took on Swiss side Uttigen in their home leg of the European Roller Hockey Cup at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday night. A crowd of 500 packed into the arena to witness what turned out to be a great game of roller hockey which Bay lost 6 - 4.

United started the game strongly and in their first attack of the game, captain Simon Hosking put them ahead. The Swiss side were extremely physical, trying to outmuscle Bay, but HBU held firm and for the next 10 minutes both sides had a number of chances to score. Dan Barton was having an outstanding game in the United goal, and was equal to everything the Swiss threw at him. United missed out when Brendan Barker was clean through on goal and a Swiss player took him out but, amazingly, the referee waved play on. There was further controversy a minute later when the referee awarded a free hit to the Swiss when it should have gone to Bay. The pass to an unmarked player in front of goal gave them the equaliser. Immediately from the restart Barker went clear again, and again he was fouled in the penalty area, but again the referee waved play on. Uttigen counter-attacked and Hosking tackled the Swiss no 9 in the area only for this challenge to be given as a penalty, which the Swiss scored.

HBU responded excellently, creating chance after chance, and with four minutes left in the half Chris Espejo passed from behind Uttigen's goal to Neil Austin, who coolly slotted home to make it 2 - 2. The Dutch referee turned down another penalty appeal by the home side but one was awarded to the visitors instead. This time Barton saved and at half time the score was 2 - 2.

The second half was as close as the first, with Uttigen going ahead with a well-taken finish in off the crossbar. Again United rallied, and a minute later Barker pulled them level at 3 - 3. With neither side able to dominate the game, Uttigen again took the lead after a scramble though the ball appeared to go in off a foot, which is illegal.

Three minutes later Uttigen went 5 - 3 up with the most controversial goal of the night, which even surprised the Swiss when it was given. The ball was slapped into the area and deflected in off a knee. Untied were incensed and Uttigen capitalised, scoring a minute later to make it 6 - 3. United player manager Phil McVey called a time out so his players could regroup, and focus on the game. For the final 10 minutes of the game United attacked again and again, and had another two penalty appeals turned down. With 20 seconds remaining, Barker managed to pull one goal back.

Although both sides got an extremely good reception from the crowd at the end of the game the referee was booed off. Captain Simon Hosking said: "It was a great game of roller hockey. We are disappointed with the result, but we stand a good chance of turning it around in the away leg, which should be a cracker."

Player manager McVey added: "The referee definitely affected the result. We must have had six to eight penalties which he did not give, and they scored two controversial goals. Take nothing away from Uttigen, they are a good side, and all the players get along and all respect each other. Unfortunately in our sport their is an us-and-them scenario. All the European teams are either professional or semi-professional, whereas here in England we are amateurs. You sometimes feel there may be a hidden agenda within the game to stop us. We will keep trying though. I was proud of our team's performance, and it's still all to play for in the second leg." The match take place in Switzerland on Saturday, January 21.

Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nic Espejo, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Steve Newman, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley

Posted: 12 January 2006
Reported by: Herne Bay Times

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Premier League: HBU 2nd 1 - 5 Letchworth (Played: Saturday 12 November)

Herne Bay United became the first club in roller hockey history to boast two Premier League teams, but were unable to mark the achievement with a brace of weekend wins. In a tough debut at this level, HBU's second string found Saturday night's going tough as they slid to a 5 - 1 home defeat to last season's national cup winners Letchworth.

The visitors dominated early possession, but HBU's defence held firm courtesy of a string of fine saves from keeper Paul Nelson. The game came to life nine minutes from half time when Robbie Fone scored for Letchworth with a cool finish only for Arran Bowyer to equalise within a minute with a drive to the near post. The game came to the boil when HBU's Steve Clarke was sin binned for lashing out at an opponent after begin fouled. Letchworth capitalised when Spanish signing Dan Nebelung struck to restore their half time lead to 2 - 1 with a well taken slap shot.

United wasted a number of chances soon after the restart and were made to pay when Letchworth hit three unanswered goals through Dan Nebelung and a brace from captain Nigel Allen.

HBU captain Joe Fidock said afterwards: "It was an extremely hard match and our first in the premier league, but we now know what to do if we are to survive this season." Coach Phil McVey added: "It was always going to be a tough game for the lads, Letchworth are a strong team, we struggled to retain possession of the ball and need to work on our finishing."

HBU 2nd: Dave Beeson, Joe Fidock, Charlie Pughe, Steve Clarke, Jon Barton, Arran Bowyer, Joe King, Sam Boddy, Matt Barton, Paul Nelson.

Posted: 17 November 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Premier League: Herne Bay United 15 - 2 Sheffield (Played: Saturday 12 November)

In the second game of the evening HBU's more experience first team sponsored by Mac's Music overwhelmed Sheffield to win 15 - 2. Captain Simon Hosking opened the scoring four minutes into the game and Brendan Barker added a second two minutes later to start the rout. Sheffield could not cope with the pace and power of United's attacking play and for most of the half were left chasing shadows as the hosts opened up an 11 - 0 half time lead.

United struggled to rekindle their first half form and added just four more to their tally after the break while Sheffield saved face with two goals of their own. Captain Simon Hosking said: "We were pleased with the first half performance but disappointed with the second. We should have gone on to score at least 25 goals but Sheffield fought hard and, at the end of the day, we won comfortably."

HBU team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Steve Newman, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Nic Espejo, Brendan Barker, Dave Garlick

Posted: 17 November 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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Herne Bay United

Which Herne Bay club has won 11 successive league titles and taken on the might of Barcelona, Benfica and Porto in the European Cup? The answer is global roller hockey giants Herne Bay United. The club skated back into town at the weekend to make a winning start to the new season and launch a campaign to conquer Europe and regain the national title they lost last season to Bury St Edmunds.

For the first time in their history, Herne Bay United, founded in 1924, are fielding two teams in Britain's elite division. The season started on Saturday with a home double-header. The second team lost 5 - 1 to Letchworth but the first team started their season with a 15 - 2 trouncing of Sheffield. More than 150 fans turned up to watch the matches at the club's purpose-built rink at the town's Pier Pavilion.

Senior team co-ordinator Aileen Barker, said: "We were pleased with the number of spectators. The second team gave a credible performance and will have learned a lot from the game. The first team were a totally different class. They have sent out a message that they intend to regain the crown. We were bitterly disappointed to lose our title to Bury St Edmunds last year but this year we are determined to win it back. We will also be playing in the European competition this year which is really exciting."

Because they finished second in the British league the club will compete in the CERS Cup, the second level of continental competition. They have been given a bye through the first round and have been drawn against one of the losers from the European Cup in the second round. That could see them play Catalan giants FC Barcelona.

Aileen said: "We are not sure who our opponents will be because we were given a bye through the first round. But we are expecting to draw either a French team or a Swiss team which we would be confident of beating. There is almost no chance of us drawing one of the top Spanish or Portuguese sides because they are full time professional teams and funded by giant football clubs in many cases. They are very likely to win their first round draws."

But the club have hosted Barcelona and Porto at the Pier Pavilion in the past and travelled to their stadiums for away games. Aileen said: "When we draw Barcelona it means going to the Nou Camp stadium. They have a purpose-built roller hockey rink as part of their complex. It is fantastic."

The club has also produced many England internationals and represented the country in an international tournament in 1999. Aileen said: "We were by far the best club side in England at the time and the English Roller Hockey Association asked us if we would represent the country. We agreed but insisted on wearing our club kit."

Herne Bay considers itself to be the home of roller hockey. There has been a team in the town since the early 1900s. Aileen explained: "Herne Bay were the original club and Herne Bay United formed as a breakaway club in 1924 after a player dispute. The original club still remains and Herne also has a team. It is amazing that such a small town can host three successful clubs in one sport. We are all great friends away from the rink but fierce rivals on it."

Posted: 17 November 2005
Herne Bay Time

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League Cup

Herne Bay United overcame an inauspicious start to lift the season's first silverware, the League Cup, held over two days at Peterborough. Fielding a weakened side on day one United began disastrously with a 7 - 1 defeat to Grimsby but they did enough to reach the knock-out phase, going on to beat arch rivals Bury in the final. Manager Phil McVey was full of praise for his squad and especially those who had played on the opening day when United rested the players who had recently represented England in the World Championships. He said: "I am delighted, having come away with no silverware last season, it is great to get back to our winning ways. The first day of pool matches were tough. We were without three of our best players, but the players who were brought in did the job that was required to get us into the semis. Bury beat us home and away in the league last year, so it was nice to get a win against them. We can now use this as a springboard for the season ahead."

Joe King got United's consolation against Grimsby and he was also on target against England Schoolboys with Myles Tichband netting the other in a 2 - 2 draw. The third game against Sheffield saw a huge improvement with United wining 6 - 2, helped by four goals from player manager McVey. That left them needing to beat Maidstone to reach the last four and they had to come from behind before edging their Kent rivals out in dramatic fashion 4 - 3. Goals from McVey (2) and Robert Carnell established a 3 - 1 lead but Alex de Figuerado levelled the game at 3 - 3 before, with just a minute left, McVey flicked the ball into Maidstone's area and Steve Newman met the ball perfectly and hit a volley for his first goal in six seasons.

Bolstered by the return of their England players, United faced Letchworth in the semi final and started well with captain Simon Hosking scoring two goals in the opening five minutes. Nigel Allen's goal for Letchworth made it 2 - 1 at half time, and the same player struck again to level matters early in the second period. A double from Brendan Barker made it 4 - 2 and Hosking then completed his hat-trick with five minutes remaining. United then eased off allowing Letchworth to make it 5 - 3, but Barker's well taken solo effort, restored their three-goal cushion which proved sufficient despite two late strikes by their opponents.

United started the stronger in the final against Bury with Hosking's second minute effort putting them ahead. Three minutes later Neil Austin made it 2 - 0 but Bury's Carlos Amaral cut the deficit, only for Hosking's second to make it 3 - 1 at the interval. United stepped up the pace in the second period and McVey's hat-trick, plus two more from captain Hosking made it 8 - 1 with 10 minutes to play. Although Bury pulled three back the damage had already been done and United were worthy winners.

Skipper Simon Hosking said: "We let ourselves down last season, but this has sent a message to all the teams that we are back, and we want to win everything this year. I'd like to give a special mention to Steve Newman - the winner against Maidstone, to put us into the semi finals was his first goal for six years."

Squad, day one: Dave Garlick, Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Charlie Pughe, Joe King, Robert Carnell, Jon Barton, Liam Holland, Joe King, Steve Newman, Myles Tichband

Squad, day two: Dave Garlick, Phil McVey, Simon Hosking, Brendan Barker, Neil Austin, Jon Barton, Steve Newman

Posted: 15 September 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette

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