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Roller Hockey News 2000-2001 Season
England Tournament
An excellent two days of roller hockey took place in Herne Bay at the weekend. A wealth of stars were on display at the Pier as the England Seniors, Juniors and Schoolboys took on the Eastern Premier Select and the Kent Premier Select. The Schoolboys looked particularly good, showing great promise and excellent attitudes. Large crowds turned out to watch the event which was a warm up for the England teams who are now preparing to jet off to international tournaments. The Schoolboys will take part in the European Championships in Portugal in October. The Juniors travel to France for the same event in September at the same time as the Seniors participate in the World Group A championships in Argentina. Following the recent Seniors trip to Japan Neil Austin will now not travel to Argentina. Dendy Husdon of Herne Bay United will take his place joining fellow Bay players David Garlick, Chris Espejo. United are also represented strongly in the Junior team with David Beeson, Joe Fidock, Sam Jackson, Ben Jackson and Bryon Davis travelling to France on September 2.
Results: Saturday: Schoolboys 0 Juniors 2; Seniors 6 Eastern Select 0; Schoolboys 1 Kent Select 9; Juniors 2 Eastern Select 5; Seniors 3 Kent Select 1.
Sunday: Kent Select 10 Eastern Select 2; Seniors 8 Schoolboys 0; Juniors 1 Kent Select 2; Schoolboys 1 Eastern Select 1; Seniors 7 Juniors 2.
Posted 30 August 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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World Games
Herne Bay United roller hockey stars arrive back from Japan today (23 August) after competing in the World Games. Neil Austin, Chris Espejo and David Garlick, along with coach David White, have been taking part in the England team after the late withdrawal of Italy from the tournament. The team finished fourth out of six teams. Wins came against Japan 4 - 1 and Australia 9 - 1 but they lost to Portugal unexpectedly 15 - 1, to Brazil 6 - 4 and Germany 5 - 3. The players had a stopover in India to assist with training for both Indian men's and women's teams following the formation of a relationship between the two sides at the Group B World Championships. They enjoyed regal treatment with interest from TV, newspaper and radio, a visit to a local school as VIPs and banquets with traditional dancing.
Posted: 23 August 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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England tournament
England stars of all ages will descend on Herne Bay at the end of August for a tournament at the Pier. The England seniors, juniors and schoolboys, along with the Eastern Premier Select and the Kent Premier Select, will compete on August 25 and 26 between 5-10pm. Herne Bay United players Daniel Barton, Philip McVey, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin and Brendan Barker will line up for the senior team. The England sides then head off for international duty with the England seniors playing in World Group A in Argentina in September at the same time as the juniors take part in the European Championship in Dinan, France, between 2-9 September. Herne Bay United players David Beeson, Joe Fidock, Sam Jackson and Ben Jackson will be part of the England Junior team. The schoolboys will also be playing in the Europeans, in Portugal, one month later.
Posted: 9 August 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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World Games
Herne Bay United roller hockey stars will line up in an England side which jets off to Japan. The team will compete in the World Games between August 17 and 20, flowing the withdrawal of Italy from the tournament. England were asked to step in with only two weeks notice and it has been a race against time for players to get holiday from work and find the funds for the trip. Now India have stepped in to help. Due to the relationship formed between the two sides at the Group B World Championships, the Indian RHA President, Pradeep Generiwal has been keen for England to send a coach and players to assist them with training. Now Herne Bay's Neil Austin, Chris Espejo and David Garlick, along with coach David White, will join the England team and combine the trip to Japan with a stopover in India. The squad will spend five days in India before travelling onto Tokyo until August 23.
Posted: 9 August 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup: Herne Bay United Juniors 3 - 4 Letchworth
Herne Bay United Juniors were narrowly defeated 4 - 3 by Letchworth in the national juniors final. Having led 2 - 1 at the interval, Letchworth extended their lead to 4 - 1 before a late United rally produced two goals.
Posted: 5 July 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup: Herne Bay United 14 - 4 Manchester (Played: Saturday 30 June)
Herne Bay United added roller hockey's National Cup to the National and Kent Premier League titles after thrashing Manchester 14 - 4 in the final at Buckmore Park on Saturday night. United were always in front in the final, with Manchester being no match for a rampant side. Simon Hosking was in exceptional goalscoring form, as he struck six times. Four of his strikes came in the first half, as, coupled with other strikes from Neil Austin and Chris Espejo, United took a 6 - 1 lead into the interval.
Manchester pulled a goal back within a minute of the restart when Mark Colton scored from the penalty spot, but United's patient possession play and clinical finishing led to six more goals, before a frantic last three minutes, in which both sides scored twice.
To cap off a fantastic day and season for United, it was announced at the prize giving ceremony that goalkeeper Dan Barton had been awarded the Henry Crystal Trophy for his outstanding goalkeeping for the England team during their World Championship campaign, and that his older brother Nick had won the Senior Player of the year award. Manager Terry Barton said: "Although we have a strong squad, it's not been an easy season for us, as half of the players do weekend and shift work, which makes it a terrific achievement to remain unbeaten in all three competitions. We played very well in the final, Manchester were no match for the pace of Neil Austin and Brendan Barker or the skills of Simon Hosking and Chris Espejo. These were all ably supported by central defender and captain Phil McVey, and the excellent keeping of Dan Barton."
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Phil McVey (1), Karl Smith (1), Nick Barton, Chris Espejo (2), Simon Hosking (6), Neil Austin (4), Brendan Barker, Alexis Zacharia, David Garlick
Posted: 5 July 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Letchworth 2 - 4 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 23 June) and Maidstone 2 - 5 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 24 June)
Two hard-fought away victories saw Herne Bay United retain their National Premier League title at the weekend. Now they are aiming for a win against Manchester on Saturday to take the National Cup and finish the season as double champions. In the league matches, an early goal against Letchworth by Brendan Barker gave United the advantage which was pressed home by a goal from Kurt Holmes shortly before the interval. Midway through the second half, Letchworth mounted a series of attacks pulling back two goals to level the score at 2 - 2. David Garlick followed first-half keeper Dan Barton's example to defy numerous Letchworth chances before Holmes scored twice, including a penalty, to give him a hat-trick and United a 4 - 2 victory.
Maidstone proved even tougher opponents and goalkeepers Barton and Garlick saved the side many times. After a goal-less first half, captain Phil McVey put his side ahead five minutes into the second period. This was followed by a classic goal from Chris Espejo, who hooked his shot past his marker and the keeper. Holmes scored with a flick shot before Maidstone came back to pile on the pressure and make it 3 - 2. McVey, with an unbelievable individual goal, and then Espejo sealed the 5 - 2 victory for United and started the trophy celebrations.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Alexis Zacharia, Brendan Barker, Nick Barton, Neil Austin, Kurt Holmes, Dave Garlick, Chris Espejo and Ben Jackson.
Posted: 28 June 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 10 - 3 Maidstone (Played: Saturday 2 June)
Herne Bay United have retained roller hockey's Kent Premier League title, after beating Maidstone 10 - 3 in the last game of the season. Maidstone applied a lot of early pressure and managed to take the lead after only a minute. United retaliated immediately, Alexis Zacharia putting the teams level within 10 seconds. David Garlick, the United keeper, denied Maidstone continually through the first half, and even stopped a Joe Wheatley penalty. United then stepped up a gear and scored five consecutive goals to give them a 6 - 1 advantage at the interval.
When the game resumed United used good play and teamwork to increase the lead to 9 - 1. The goals came from a Kurt Holmes 'special', a superbly placed shot by Simon Hosking and an individual effort from Nick Barton. Wheatley did eventually get the better of second half keeper Dan Barton with a penalty shot, scoring on his fourth attempt. Doughty scored again for Maidstone to reduce United's lead further after some confusion when Barton had his stick knocked out of his hand. But Chris Espejo wrapped up things to give United the win when he drilled home four minutes from time.
A minute's silence was held before the game in memory of Paul Ashurst, of Plymouth and Adur, who was recently killed in a car accident. Councillor Michel Street-Williams presented the cups and medals.
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Alexis Zacharia, Brendan Barker, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes, David Garlick
United's next game is a National League home fixture against Middlesbrough on June 16, at the Pier Pavilion.
Posted: 7 June 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League
Herne Bay United will be officially crowned Kent Roller Hockey champions this weekend. The 100 per cent Premier Division leaders meet runners-up Maidstone in the climax to the season at Herne Bay's Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Irrespective of that result, United are worthy champions, having scored an incredible 146 goals and conceded just 18 in nine straight wins.
Recent results have emphasised the great strides being taken by United's Junior team. On successive weekends, they beat KPL rivals Herne Bay 6 - 3 and Herne United 12 - 9 before clinching the South Eastern Counties Senior Championship at Southwick with victories over Adur (4 - 0) and Reading (3 - 0). Even with that run of success, however, it was daunting to then line up against a side of Maidstone's quality. But reputations mean nothing to this up-and-coming United outfit, as their 7 - 4 win proved. They were caught out by Joe Wheatley in the first minute but strong possession coupled with fast passing created strikes for Bryon Davis - back after a two-month injury absence - Keith Ritchie and Ben Jackson. Joe Fidock missed a penalty and Maidstone made the most of their escape when Simon Wilks closed the gap. Ritchie made it 4 - 2 just after the interval and Maidstone were level through Franklin and Wheatley. Fierce Maidstone pressure was resisted and, as United stepped up a gear late on, goals from Fidock and Davis (2) put the result beyond doubt.
United: David Beeson, Joe Fidock, Michael Crocker, James Nelson, Keith Ritchie, Stuart Almond, Ben Jackson, Bryon Davis, Sam Jackson, Paul Nelson.
When he was told the result, United's senior team player Kurt Holmes commented: "I'm glad we played the juniors early in the season. Beating Maidstone show how much they have come on." United Juniors now have to keep their form for the National Cup finals on June 30, when they meet Letchworth immediately before their senior colleagues.
Posted: 31 May 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Premier League: Halifax 2 - 8 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 19 May) and Sheffield 4 - 9 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 20 May)
At the weekend Herne Bay United travelled north for two National Premier League fixtures, with many of the players unavailable to go because of work commitments. Despite this, they managed two commendable victories. On Saturday they beat Halifax 8 - 2 in a bruising contest after leading 2 - 1 at half time. On Sunday they played Sheffield and although the half time score was 1 - 1 they went on to win 9 - 4.
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Kurt Holmes, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Nick Barton, Karl Smith, David Garlick
Posted 24 May 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup: Herne Bay United 8 - 3 Maidstone (Played: Wednesday 16 May)
Herne Bay United are through to roller hockey's National Knockout cup final after a tremendous 8 - 3 victory over rivals Maidstone in the semi-final. The first half was typically close between these two top teams and it was Clive Franklin who opened the scoring early in the game for Maidstone after taking advantage of some slack marking. Chris Espejo redeemed himself five minutes later with some tricky individual skills to give himself space to hit a low shot past Maidstone keeper Paul Haynes. Maidstone then went on to score two more goals to take a 3 - 1 lead before United settled down and started to take command with superb team play. Just before the interval powerful shots from Kurt Holmes and Brendan Barker levelled the score at 3 - 3.
Throughout the second half United played some of their best roller hockey and they were rewarded with five goals in the last quarter of the match including a hat-trick by Chris Espejo. This 8 - 3 win means they will meet either Manchester or Middlesbrough in the final on Jun 30.
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes, David Garlick
Posted: 24 May 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 3 - 0 Banstead and Herne Bay United 7 - 3 Manchester
Herne Bay United have had another busy but successful weekend in roller hockey's Kent Premier League. Their first match against the league's bottom club Banstead proved to be an easy 3 - 0 win. This was followed by a 7 - 3 win over Manchester which, despite being a much tougher game, left their unbeaten record intact. Midway through the first half Herne Bay looked to have a comfortable three goal lead after Simon Hosking scored a hat-trick, but Manchester had other ideas. Before the break they made the score 3 - 2 with goals from Steve McCann and Mark Innis, putting them right back in the game.
In the second half Kurt Holmes made several attacks on the Manchester goal before being rewarded for his efforts, only to see Innis score again within a minute. Manchester failed to equalise when Dan Barton saved a crucial penalty and United went on to score three goals in the last eight minutes-Austin, Hosking and Nick Barton the suppliers-brining the final score to 7 - 3.
This United team will now play Maidstone in the semi-final of the National Cup on May 16 and at the weekend will be away to Halifax and Sheffield for National League fixtures.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Brendan Barker, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes and David Garlick.
Posted: 17 May 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 4 - 0 Letchworth (Played: Saturday 7 April)
Herne Bay United extended their unbeaten run in the National Roller Hockey League Premier Division with a 4 - 0 win over Letchworth. The Hertfordshire visitors are managed by England coach Carlos Amaral, who surprised the hosts by sending out his side to push from the start in a bid to suppress the playmaker role of United captain Phil McVey. They enjoyed limited success with the tactic and it was Bay who should have opened the scoring, when Chris Espejo hit the post following an excellent passing move. United's England goalkeeper Dan Barton was called into action to save a succession of shots before McVey broke the deadlock mid-way through the first half. The game threatened to boil over either side of half-time, but referee John Miller brandished his yellow card to keep the lid on things.
United doubled their lead mid-way through the second half when Simon Hosking beat the visiting keeper, then made it 3 - 0 with an impudent mid-air flick after skating from behind the net. Hosking blotted his copybook with a second yellow card and it was his replacement Dendy Hudson who combined with Kurt Holmes and Neil Austin to create the fourth goal for Espejo. Barton continued to perform miracles at the other end of the Pavilion rink to deserve a clean sheet for an impressive display.
United's next Premiership matches will form a derby double-header against Herne Bay on April 21 and away to Maidstone the following day.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey (1), Karl Smith, Alexis Zacharia, Chris Espejo (1), Simon Hosking (2), Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes and David Garlick
Posted: 11 April 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 33 - 1 Banstead and HBU Juniors 1 - 5 Herne Bay
An exhibition-style victory for Herne Bay United turned into a nightmare for Brendan Barker. He suffered a broken finger in a collision during a 33 - 1 win over an inexperienced Banstead side in the Kent Premier League at the Pier Pavilion. He is now ruled out of the club's national league side, as well as the England set-up, for several weeks.
The same night Herne Bay United Juniors were defeated 5 - 1 by Herne Bay. Herne Bay scored first through John Chalk, but Joe Fidock equalised for United. In the second half United kept up the possession and were rewarded with a penalty when Bryon Davis was fouled in the penalty area while attempting a shot. Davis was taken to hospital with a broken thumb and Fidock failed to convert the penalty. Having lost firepower, it was downhill for United and the Bay scored four times through Chalk, Robin Cathcart and John Dalton.
Posted: 29 March 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Middlesbrough 3 - 10 Herne Bay United
Herne Bay United overcame the odds to claim a superb 10 - 3 victory over Middlesbrough in the National Roller Hockey League at the weekend. United made the long trip to the north east with only six players and minus their manager Terry Barton, who was unavailable. Middlesbrough clearly fancied their chances of causing an upset, but the outstanding goalkeeping of Dan Barton kept them at bay in the early stages. United's class gradually began to tell and by half time they had opened up a commanding 5 - 0 lead.
The second half was a slightly closer affair as Middlesbrough struggled to make a game of it. They were still unable to breach the United defence and with 10 minutes remaining the East Kent side were 8 - 0 up. Middlesbrough finally broke through and struck three times, but United had the last word with two late goals. Kurt Holmes and Dendy Hudson, who was outstanding, both scored hat-tricks, Phil McVey scored twice and Neil Austin and Karl Smith one each. Hat-trick hero Holmes was delighted: "This was a very satisfying result for us. It seemed every goal we scored today was a contender for goal of the season. I've never scored a hat-trick of this quality before." Skipper McVey added: "I was especially pleased with this win. It keeps us on track for the double, and even though we had a weakened side and no manager, we still kept to our game plan. I'm very proud of the lads."
United's next match is at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday, April 7, against last year's runners-up in both the league and cup, Letchworth. The match starts at 8pm
Posted: 29 March 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Grimsby 4 - 11 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 24 February)
Herne Bay United collected two more National Roller Hockey League Premier Division points when they returned from Grimsby with an 11 - 4 victory in the bag. The long journey was clearly in the legs of the United players when they started, but they poached an early goal through Karl Smith. United's keeper David Garlick was bombarded with shots and although he made several fine saves Grimsby opened a 3 - 1 lead against the title holders. Once Bay recovered their poise, however, they dominated the game and could even afford to miss two penalties, before Dendy Hudson and Simon Hosking struck to level the scores at half-time.
After the interval United moved up a gear and took command. They went on to score eight more times, while Garlick continued to foil Grimsby's best efforts. Brendan Barker scored a hat-trick, Hudson, Neil Austin and Kurt Holmes two each, and Chris Espejo and Hosking one apiece. United remain top of the league and their next game is against Sheffield Wildcats on March 10 at the Pier Pavilion.
United: David Garlick, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Brendan Barker, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes
Posted: 1 March 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 15 - 3 Halifax
Herne Bay United scored an overwhelming 15 - 3 win over northern visitors Halifax in the National Premier League at the weekend. The home side showed no mercy throughout the first half at the Pier pavilion. From the time Alexis Zacharia scored, in the first five minutes, they kept up the pressure and had established a 9 - 1 lead by the internal, with Simon Hosking scoring four goals.
Halifax fought valiantly in the second half, replying to Dendy Hudson's two early goals with two of their own. But United finished with a flourish, scoring four goals in the last seven minutes, the last effort begin completed by top-scorer Hosking as the final whistle sounded, to take his personal tally to six. Hudson finished with three, Kurt Holmes with two, and Phil McVey, Zacharia, Nick Barton and Brendan Barker with one each. United's next National League fixture is away to Grimsby on Saturday, February 24.
United: D Barton, P McVey, A Zacharia, N Barton, B Barker, S Hosking, N Austin, D Hudson, K Holmes, D Garlick
Posted: 15 February 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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SECRHA Under 15s
HBU Intermediates performed well in Sunday's SECRHA League Tournament in Farnham by landing two comfortable wins to go with a narrow defeat. They overcame local rivals Herne United 4 - 1, drubbed host Farnham 5 - 3, only to lose 2 - 1 to Maidstone in a tight, final game.
HBU Intermediates: Joe Andrews, Harry Arnold, Robert Carnell, Jono Fell, Joe King, Mathew Prout, Charlie Pughe, Ian Smith
Posted: 1 February 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 13 - 3 HBU Juniors
The evening before their National League trip to Manchester Herne Bay United gave their junior side a valuable work out at the Pier Pavilion in running up a 13 - 3 win in the Kent Premier League. The juniors relished the chance of pitting their speed, skills and wits against the national champions as well as revelling in the extended rink time of a Premiership match.
Nick Barton opened the scoring for the seniors after three minutes, but HBU Juniors levelled through Keith Ritchie and held their club-mates for almost a quarter of an hour before the seniors upped the tempo to score five quick-fire goals through Hosking (2), Austin (2) and Barker. Sam Jackson and Bryon Davis scored consolation goals for the juniors after the interval, but Espejo (2), Barton (5), Hudson and Barker completed the rout at the other end. HBU Juniors manager, Ron Barker, said afterwards: "We are pleased that the side kept up with the pace of the game throughout the match. All our players did a great job and it is a learning experience that can really only be had in Herne Bay. We would have liked to have kept the goal margin down below 10, but the seniors took the game seriously by fielding a very strong and experienced side."
HBU Juniors: David Beeson, Joe Fidock, Stavros Zacharia, James Nelson, Keith Ritchie, Stuart Almond, Ben Jackson, Bryon Davis, Sam Jackson, Paul Nelson
HBU: Alexis Zacharia, Brendan Barker, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, David Garlick.
Posted: 1 February 2001
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Group B World Championships
Four players from the Herne Bay United club have helped England to win roller hockey's Group B World Championship at Buckmore Park, Chatham. Neil Austin, Phil McVey, Nick Barton and goalkeeper Dan Barton were in the England squad who beat Holland 2 - 0 in the final on Saturday. In the group stages they had swept aside Pakistan 29 - 1, India 15 - 1 and then Uruguay 7 - 0 before beating South Africa 7 - 0 in the quarter-finals and Uruguay again 8-0 in the simi-final. Austin was England's top scorer during the tournament with 14 goals, while McVey scored four, Nick Barton three and Maidstone's Joe Wheatley, the England vice-captain, nine. Andrew Ashurst scored both the goals in the final, the second from a penalty, before a vociferous crowd of almost 600. England now qualify for next September's Group A World Championships in Argentina. Despite inventing the game, England have languished in the sport's doldrums for decades until the spectacular six-day campaign at the new £22 million complex.
Posted: 20 December 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League: Herne Bay United 1 - 14 FC Porto (Played: Saturday 2 December)
Roller hockey giants FC Porto once again underlined the gulf between professionals and amateurs in their European Champions League clash with Herne Bay United, on Saturday. The Portuguese side had won the opening leg in their own country 13 - 2, and they were every bit as clinical in the return at the Pier, running out victors 14 - 1 to secure a 27 - 3 aggregate success. The scoreline was harsh on United's two keepers Daniel Barton and David Garlick, both of whom performed superbly under intense pressure. Porto were without the fiery Antonio Neves due to injury, but their eight-strong squad still boasted a host of Portuguese and Spanish internationals.
The opening few minutes saw both teams take time to settle and there were chances at both ends before Porto broke the deadlock after six minutes. The rest of the contest followed a similar pattern with Porto finding the net every four or five minutes, while United were restricted to isolated bouts of pressure. United did enjoy some good possession in the first period, and several efforts from Nick Barton forced excellent saves from Porto keeper Edo Bosch. Kurt Holmes managed to find space for just two slapshots, but he was unable to get sufficient power behind them. By half time Porto led 7 - 0 despite Barton's brilliance, and after Garlick had taken over for the second period it took the visitors nine minutes to add to their tally.
For just four minutes of the second half an outfield United line-up of Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Philip McVey and Nick Barton managed to exert some sustained pressure, with Austin and Barker adding speed to the attack. United were rewarded when skipper McVey cleaned up a loose ball and flicked his shot past Bosch. Barker gave way to Karl Smith for the final three minutes and United could have had a second goal when they were awarded a penalty, but Austin missed the target. Nick Barton then gave away a penalty at the other end, but Garlick ensured a memorable end to the contest by saving the shot and he then made two more excellent saves to keep the score to 14.
United captain McVey played the whole 50 minutes and did a good job shackling Pedro Alves although it was Porto's Spanish star Filipe Santos who was their main playmaker. Nuno Felix was Porto's leading marksman with four goals, and there was also a hat-trick for Paulo Alves. Santos, Pedro Alves and Reinaldo Ventura each struck twice with Nelson Gomes completing the tally. United qualified for Europe as English Premier League champions and they start their defence of the title in the new year.
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Philip McVey, Brendan Barker, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Karl Smith, Kurt Holmes, David Garlick.
FC Porto: Edo Bosch, Filipe Santos, Pedro Alves, Reinaldo Ventura, Paulo Alves, Nelson Gomes, Nuno Felix, Mario Almelda
Posted: 7 December 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League
The Pier Pavilion will welcome one of the biggest names in roller hockey on Saturday when Herne Bay United face FC Porto in the European Champions League. Porto, who are know as The Dragons, are attached to the football club of the same name and have been Portuguese national champions on nine occasions as well as lifting the cup 12 times. The club was formed in 1921 - two years before United - and United general secretary Aileen Barker says there are few bigger roller hockey names in the world.
"In England we have the north-south divide, represented by cities such as London and Manchester and with that comes the rivalry between football teams like Arsenal and Manchester United," she said. "So it is in Portugal between Lisbon and Oporto and the teams of Benfica and FC Porto. After football roller hockey is seriously important to FCP and with the exception of Barcelona and Benfica no-one rates higher in reputation."
Porto's squad is entirely professional and includes their very own 'famous five' of Antonia 'To' Neves, Paulo Alves, Pedro Alves, Philipe Santos and goalkeeper Edo Bosch, all of whom are either Portuguese or Spanish internationals. United, in contrast, are very much amateurs and qualified for the Champions League after winning the National Premier League. They boast a number of this country's top players and Dan Barton is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Porto won the opening leg in Portugal 13 - 2, but Mrs Barker says that has not stopped everyone at United looking forward to the return. "Matches like this are entertaining for the quality of the skills on show and they also help us improve our coaching knowledge," she said. "They make us raise our game and add fire to the aspirations of all the young players who are the future of our sport."
Posted: 30 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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World Group B Championships
Some of the world's finest roller hockey players are coming to Kent for the 34th World Group B Championships. Teams from as far as Australia, Taiwan, Macao, Colombia and Japan will by vying for the title at Chatham's Buckmore Park from December 11 to 16. England's title bid will be led by several Kent players including vice-captain Joe Wheatley from Maidstone. The team also includes four players from Herne Bay United, brothers Nicholas Barton and Daniel Barton, Neil Austin and Philip McVey. The championship winners will progress to the A final in Argentina next year. England will have to overcome India, New Zealand and South Korea if they are to book a place in South America. The championships, the first to be staged in England since the war, will be held on the superb new £15 million sports village at Buckmore Park and will be televised on Sky Sorts.
Posted 30 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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England call-up
Herne Bay United's Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Nick Barton and Neil Austin have received England international call-ups for their Group B World Championship matches to be played at Buckmore Park from December 11 to 16.
Posted 23 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 7 - 3 Herne Bay
Back on home soil after their European exploits, Herne Bay United made a successful return to Kent Premier League action with a 7 - 3 win in the local derby with Herne Bay. Among the more familiar surroundings of the Pier Pavilion, HBU were made to work hard by a tight Bay defence but the power shooting of Kurt Holmes proved the difference with four goals to his credit. John Chalk scored Bay's early goal, but Holmes' quartet gave United a worthy 4 - 1 lead at the change round. Karl Smith extended their lead soon after the re-start only to see the strike wiped out by a Robin Cathcart goal. Brendan Barker finally put the result beyond doubt with two well-taken goals inside the final eight minutes. However it was Bay who had the final say when David White swept the ball past David Garlick to complete the scoring.
United: David Garlick, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Kurt Holmes
Herne Bay: Paul Hougham, David White, Robin Cathcart, Dave Todd, Kevin Hoare, John Chalk, John Dalton, Mick Harris, Dave Walters, Paul Dalton
Posted: 23 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League: FC Porto 13 - 2 Herne Bay United
Herne Bay United roller hockey side face a gargantuan task next month when they seek to overcome a European Cup first leg deficit of 11 goals in their home tie with Portuguese champs FC Porto. United will have to dramatically improve their performance in the return leg at the Pier Pavilion if they are to make any inroads on the 13 - 2 defeat suffered on the continent last weekend.
The game was played in the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima and 75 miles from Porto's headquarters. Crowd misdemeanours led to a home ban. Yet there was still a sizable crowd to see Porto burst into a 4 - 0 lead inside the first six minutes of the game. Neil Austin pulled one back for the visitors, but by half time Porto had extended their lead to 8 - 1.
All the second half goals were packed into the final 10 minutes of the match when Bay reduced the deficit through the persistence of Simon Hosking only to see Porto extend themselves and add five more goals. At least the final action of the game took place in Porto's half, but Brendan Barker saw his penalty hit the inside of the post and rebound to safety.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Kurt Holmes, Karl Smith, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Simon Hosking, Chris Espejo, David Garlick.
Posted: 23 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent League Minors
Herne Bay United Minors were 5 - 4 Kent League winners over Herne United. They also took part in the Farnham Shield on Sunday.
Team: Joe Andrews, Robert Carnell, Jono Fell, Liam Holland, Kieran Smith, Myles Barker, Tom Hawkins
Posted 23 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United 12 - 4 HBU 2nd (Played: Saturday 4 November 2000)
Inter-club loyalties counted for nought as Herne Bay United extended their 100 per cent win record in the new Kent Premier League campaign following Saturday's 12 - 4 win over club colleagues HBU 2nd. The United second string made their first team work hard for their half-time lead as Joe Fidock bundled the ball home at the third time of asking to equalise Simon Hosking's opener for the first. Two further goals from Kurt Holmes and one from Brendan Barker increased the first team's tally before Sam Jackson hit the back of the net for HBU 2nd to leave it 4 - 2 at the change round. HBU first string showed their superiority after the interval to run in eight more goals. Nick Barton finished top scorer with four.
HBU team: David Garlick, Philip McVey (1), Karl Smith, Nick Barton (4), Brendan Barker (2), Simon Hosking (1), Neil Austin (2), Jon Barton, Kurt Holmes (2)
HBU 2nd team: David Beeson, Joe Fidock (2), Keith Ritchie, Stuart Almond, Ben Jackson, Bryon Davis (1), Sam Jackson (1), Paul Nelson
Posted: 9 November 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League
The new roller hockey season starts on Saturday at the undisputed 'home of the game' – the Herne Bay Pier Pavilion. The venue has been hosting roller hockey games since 1896, but it will be Kent Premier League newcomers Banstead who start the 2000 campaign when they take on hosts Herne Bay starting at 7.30pm. Match two will be the local derby between Herne United and Herne Bay United which is scheduled to start at 9pm. Six teams will contest the new season, one more than last year. Four teams hail from Herne Bay and are joined by new boys Banstead and Maidstone. The Kent County Roller Hockey Association is also delighted by the formation of two new junior leagues for clubs with under-13s and under-15s. The association has also agreed a month-long gap in the fixture list during December to accommodate the World Roller Hockey Championships to be staged at Buckmore Park near Rochester.
Posted: 19 October 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions' League
World-class roller hockey is returning to the town with Herne Bay United's entry into the European Champions League. United, the national champions last season, had a bye into the last 16, and will play Portuguese stars FC Porto over two legs. The home leg will be at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday, December 2.
Club secretary Aileen Barker said the club welcomed the bye, and the fact that they would almost certainly lose to a top-seeded team was a blessing in disguise. "The season before last we reached the last eight and were the only amateur team there," she said. "It cost us £20,000. Our trip to Portugal will be expensive for the players as no cut-price airline flies that route and we must stay two nights. So if we have to go out we want a big name to do it, but we do not intend to make it easy for them." United's finances have been further hit by the loss of their shirt sponsors. In contrast, Porto are one of the top roller hockey clubs in the world, with players earning more than £40,000 a year.
Four United players have been selected for the England team to play in the World B Championships at Buckmore Park, Chatham, on December 10-16. Among their opponents will be Holland, Belgium and Austria, all of whom United have beaten in previous tournaments. The top four will be promoted to Group A, which includes Germany and USA, both beaten by United in a tournament at Montreux 18 months ago.
Posted: 28 September 2000
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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