Home >
Roller Hockey News > Roller Hockey News 2004-2005 Season
Roller Hockey News 2004-2005 Season
World Championships
Brendan Barker of Herne Bay United finished as top scorer for the England roller hockey team as they retained their place in the elite Group A of nations in the World Cup. England finished 13th of the 16 teams in the tournament, in San Jose, California, with Barker scoring five goals, and United team-mate Simon Hosking one. The squad also included United's goalkeeper Dan Barton, Neil Austin, and manager Ron Barker, the players having paid £1,500 each toward their travel and accommodation costs.
Having failed to qualify for the World Cup knock-out stages from their initial qualifying group, England this week lost 5 - 3 to the USA, but beat Mozambique 4 - 2 and Holland 3 - 0, to ensure they finished above the latter two nations and last-placed Macau, thus retaining their elite status for future tournaments. The other goalscorers for England were Andrew Ashurst and James Taylor, with four each, and Darrel Pearce with one. The World Cup was won by Spain, with Argentina second, Portugal third and Italy fourth.
Posted: 18 August 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
World Championships
Four players from Herne Bay United have helped England to an encouraging performance in the roller hockey World Championships, in San Jose, California. The squad, managed by United's Ron Barker and including goalkeeper Dan Barton, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker and Simon Hosking, won their first match against Holland 4 - 0, with a goal by Italian-based James Taylor and a hat-tick from Andrew Ashurst, who plays in Spain. Barker was on target again in a 2 - 1 defeat by France, and England then gave a fine display despite losing 4 - 1 to Spain - their best result against one of the world's best sides since the 1960s.
That left England third in their preliminary group and out of the qualifiers for the second round of the championships, but they were due to begin the play-offs for places eight to 16 this week.
Austin, Barker and Hosking had been part of the team that played in Macau last October in World B Group where, after finishing second to Catalunya - who were not deemed as a nation and therefore denied promotion - they qualified for the World Championships. The team have committed time and money to prepare for the elite event, having been to Portugal, Switzerland and Germany for training and competitions. The rest of the team are: goalkeeper Ian Morrison (Areces, Spain), Darrel Pearce and Joe Wheatley (Bury), and Mark Waddingham (Grimsby).
Posted: 11 August 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne Bay United 6 - 7 Bury (Played: Saturday 19 March)
Herne Bay United's 12-year reign as English champions appeared to come to an end with Saturday's dramatic 7 - 6 defeat to Bury at a packed Pier Pavilion. A crowd of nearly 500 included a large and noisy visiting contingent, including a boy drummer, and they were rewarded with one of the best matches in this country for decades. But for the heroics of United goalkeeper Dan Barton and his defiant opposite number Ben Well, the scoreline could have at least doubled. Champions-elect Bury raced into a 3 - 0 lead within 15 minutes but United hit back to lead 5 - 3, only to lose to a direct free hit with less than two seconds left.
Bury ignited the fuse with a long-range piledriver from Darryl Pearce after 23 seconds. After Darren Willis added a direct free hit and Shaun Pearce hit the third, United turned the game round with four goals in the last seven minutes of the first half. A Brendan Barker slapshot from near halfway flew into the top corner of the net, and tempers then flared when all eight outfield players were involved in a fight behind the Bury goal. A 'sin-bin' blue card for Bury's energetic Shaun Pearce looked expensive as Barker raised his game and the atmosphere with three more first-half goals.
Soon after the restart United extended their lead to 5 - 3 with a Sam Jackson goal but Bury battled back and, after another fight on the rink, scored twice in quick succession through Jess L'Anson to level at 5 - 5. Bury now had the momentum and, with only five minutes remaining went 6 - 5 up through Joe Wheatley. A draw was still good enough to help United retain the championship and Barker's fifth goal of the game, volleying in after Neil Austin's shot was deflected, duly levelled at 6 - 6. He then had a penalty saved by Wells, but with 1.9 seconds on the clock a direct free hit was awarded for a block by Austin, and despite appearing to stumble as he shot, Darren Willis saw the ball fly in to give Bury a dramatic victory.
Bury will secure the championship for the first time if they manage to beat Herne at The Pier next weekend but if they draw or lose, the title will remain with United. After the game, which ended with yet another brawl, United player manager Phil McVey said: "I am devastated, we only needed a draw, and with a minute to go we had the draw, but we threw it away. We were seconds away from retaining our title, which would have been a record 13th consecutive title. But I have to congratulate Bury as it was one of the most amazing games I have ever been involved in. If Bury do win the title we will be even more determined to win it back next year."
Team: Dan Barton Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Ben Jackson, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley
Posted: 24 March 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
National Division 1
United's National Division 1 team finished unbeaten in Sunday's penultimate tournament of the season in Farnham. They beat Halifax 5 - 0 in their first match then after a shaky start against Southsea went on to hit six unanswered goals in a 9 - 1 drubbing. The tightest game came last against hosts Farnham with United holding out for a hard fought 6 - 5 win. The result means that United have clinched the title with one tournament remaining in Southsea next month.
Team: Jon Barton, Dave Beeson, Arran Bowyer, Steve Clark, Joe Fidock, Paul Nelson, Charlie Pughe, Stavros Zacharia
Posted: 24 March 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Letchworth 5 - 7 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 12 March)
Reigning champions Herne Bay United face a national championship decider on Saturday night as the Premier League leaders take on the second placed Bury team at the Pier in the final game of the season. United need to win or draw to retain the championship, but they know if Bury win, as they did when the two teams met earlier in the season, they would take the title back with them to Suffolk. The programme for Saturday evening starts at 7.30pm at the Pier, with the game due to start at 8.15pm. A big crowd is expected, with Bury expected to bring at least 150 supporters, so home fans are encouraged to come and give their vocal support.
United set up this exciting finale after a difficult trip to Letchworth on Saturday which they eventually emerged from with a 7 - 5 victory. The home side had started the stronger and United's defence found themselves under pressure from the opening whistle. But United managed to soak up the pressure and after 10 minutes captain Simon Hosking scored the first goal of the game with a well taken backhand which was sent flying into the top right hand corner of the net. Letchworth adopted an aggressive style and United became frustrated by the referee's lack of interference. Phil McVey's reaction to a strong Letchworth challenge earned him a blue card and five minutes in the sin bin. To add insult to injury, Letchworth scored the resultant free hit to make it 1 - 1. The goal gave Letchworth a confidence boost, and they quickly capitalised to make it 2 - 1. But United were slowly starting to get into the game, and benefited from some good fortune to equalise, a deflected shot from Hosking beating the wrong-footed keeper. With five minutes remaining in the half Letchworth again went in front, but, although the home side continued to dominate possession, United's Brendan Barker levelled the scores at 3 - 3 just before half time.
The second half saw United start well and the Letchworth keeper was force in to a string of fine saves to keep his team level. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Sam Jackson beat two players before squaring the ball to Neil Austin whose excellent slap shot found the net to make it 4 - 3. The reigning champions came alive and Hosking scored two in a minute to make the score 6 - 3 and give United a margin of comfort. This did not last long and as Letchworth continued to battle, they pulled one back with five minutes left. Then, almost immediately from the restart, they capitalised on some terrible defending to score again. The home side sensed they could get something out of the game and pressed up on United. This left spaces in their defence which were exposed by United, with Austin catching them on the break and finishing calmly to put the game out of reach at 7 - 5. For the remaining few minutes of the game, United put up a resolute defence to hold on for a tight victory and set up the decisive clash against Bury on Saturday.
"We didn't play well, probably our worst performance for a couple of years, and Letchworth played extremely well," said United player manager Phil McVey. "The pleasing thing is, even though we played terribly, we still won. I think the players were already looking forward to the next game, our last in the league, at home against Bury. If we win that we will be champions. Bury beat us at their place, but I'm confident we will win. Bury are a good side, but we are better."
Posted: 17 March 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne Bay United 12 - 2 Grimsby (Played: Sunday 20 February)
Defending champions Herne Bay United went five points clear at the top of the English Premier League table with a 12 - 2 hammering of Grimsby at the Pier on Sunday. Second-placed Bury, meanwhile lost to Middlesbrough.
United started strongly, and needed only two minutes to score with a well-taken splashot by Brendan Baker. Three minutes later United player manager Phil McVey coolly slotted home his second penalty in as many games but with 19 minutes left in the first half Grimsby's Mark Waddingham scored on the break to make it 2 - 1. A couple of minutes later Neil Austin made it 3 - 1 with a drive that went in off the post, and captain Simon Hosking scored two in quick succession to make it 5 - 1 with 13 minutes left in the first half. McVey then decided to switch to a defensive man-to-man system, to encourage Grimsby forward, and the visitors had possession for the next five minutes. United won the ball, hit on the break and scored twice in 30 seconds through Sam Jackson, before Nick Barton made it 8 - 1 at half time.
In the second half United netted through Austin, Barker (2), and Karl Smith. Waddingham scored his second of the game with a minute left.
With only two games remaining, United are favourites to win the championship for the 12th year running. McVey said: "It was a good professional performance. I did change the tactics a couple of times, and the team did exactly as I asked which was pleasing." Hosking added: "Our team game has been improving all season, and hopefully we can do ourselves and the manager proud by retaining the title. The gaffer has had us working very hard on some new systems, and the hard work is now paying off. We want to win it for him." United's next match is away to Letchworth on March 5.
Posted: 24 February 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne Bay United 7 - 2 Middlesbrough (Played: Saturday 5 February) and Herne Bay United 8 - 0 Manchester (Played: Sunday 6 February)
Herne Bay United recorded an impressive win double at the Pier Pavilion at the weekend, beating Middlesbrough 7 - 2 on Saturday, and then Manchester 8 - 0 the following morning. Bay knew they could not afford to drop any more points following the recent defeat by leaders Bury, and player manager Phil McVey said: "This was a huge weekend for us. The lads performed brilliantly, and the game against Manchester was the best performance of the season. If we win our remaining three league games, the last being against Bury at the Pier, then we will win the league."
HBU made a nervous start against Middlesbrough, who had most of the possession for the first 15 minutes, but failed to break down United's solid defence. Bay skipper Simon Hosking put them in front eight minutes before half time. He intercepted a pass, skated the length of the rink, and slotted the ball home. Man-of-the-match Brendan Barker then added a second, with another breakaway effort, and then a minute later Sam Jackson made it 3 - 0 with a snapshot into the top left hand corner. Having let a three-goal lead slip against Bury, United began to wobble, and Peter Lonsdale pulled one back for the visitors.
Then almost immediately from the restart, John Jones scored again for the visitors and suddenly 3 - 2 up, United were under pressure. However, they reacted well, and with 13 minutes left, Jackson scored his second of the match to stretch Bay's lead, Barker added two more to complete his hat-tick and Hosking added his second to complete the scoring.
Sunday's opponents Manchester signed two new foreign imports before the game, recruiting a French player and a Spanish goalkeeper. They started well, but Bay went in front when Karl Smith was left un-marked in front of goal, and kept his head to score his first goal of the season. The goal lifted Bay, and Neil Austin finished off a well-worked move to make it 2 - 0. Four minutes later Bay United were awarded a penalty after Jackson had been fouled, and McVey converted HBU's first successful penalty in five attempts to put Bay 3 - 0 up at half time.
Bay played some excellent stuff with confident and high quality team play. And Manchester had no answer. Within four minutes of the restart McVey made it 4 - 0 after some excellent work by Barker, who then made it 5 - 0 with 20 minutes left. Goalkeeper Dan Barton was equal to all that Manchester threw at him, and with the clock ticking down, Austin and Hosking scored twice to round off a fine win.
Hosking said: "We are all delighted with the way we played, the lads were particularly happy for Karl Smith. He hadn't scored for a very long time. We all played well, and we can hardly wait for our next match."
Posted: 10 February 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Under 20s
Herne Bay United's under 20 roller hockey side made the best of Sunday's short trip to Rochester by winning all three matches in their second round of SECRHA League games of the season. HBU beat Plymouth, Reading and Maidstone to stay in top spot.
Team: Joe Andrews, Arran Bowyer, Sam Boddy, Liam Holland, Joe King, Philip Morris, Charlie Pughe, Stavros Zacharia
Posted: 10 February 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Bury 5 - 4 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 29 January)
Reigning champions Herne Bay United lost the leadership of the National Premier Roller Hockey League following Sunday's shock 5 - 4 defeat to Bury in Soham. United started well, moving the ball around nicely to take the lead through Simon Hosking with a well-taken individual goal after five minutes. HBU continued to dominate and, with 10 minutes remaining in the half, United's captain Hosking again beat Bury's defence to round the goalkeeper for the second. Within a minute, Brendan Barker put United further ahead with a well taken slap shot that forced a Bury timeout. The hosts adopted a tougher approach thereafter and although they picked up two yellow cards and a blue, they at least managed to pull a goal back through Shaun Pearce. With three minutes of the half remaining Joe Wheatley scored to make it 3 - 2 at the break.
Bury increased the pressure on United and the referees after the interval, when their fierce tackling again upset United's flow. With 12 minutes to go Bury's captain Darrel Pearce scored a disputed penalty to tie the game, Joe Wheatley scored his second of the game to put Bury in front for the first time and raise the volume of a 300-strong crowd. United equalised with nine minutes to go when, after great work from Barker on the right, he squared for Neil Austin to sweep home. From the restart Bury's Shaun Pearce hit a speculative shot from the halfway line, United's keeper was completely unsighted and did not react as the winner hit the back of the net.
After the game player manager McVey said: "I am disappointed with the result, we started well, and to go three up and let them back in was annoying. They played well, and their goalkeeper had the game of his life. It makes the league very interesting. If we can win the remainder of our games, and they do the same, it will come down to the last game of the season, when we have to play them at the pier. But fair play, they beat us on the day, and you have to congratulate them for that."
Posted: 3 February 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne Bay United 18 - 1 Sheffield (Played: Sunday 22 January)
Herne Bay United Roller Hockey side made it eight wins from as many English Premier League starts after Sunday's 18 - 1 drubbing of lowly Sheffield at the Pier. The reigning champions took only 35 seconds to score their first goal and went on to notch nine in each half in another one-sided encounter against the second-from-bottom visitors.
Sheffield, who lost to Herne 14 - 3 on Saturday evening, knew they faced another uphill task as United gave the visitors' rookie keeper Kevin McLeod a torrid time. Sheffield did manage to score after the break when a long range effort deflected off at least two defenders before crossing the goal line. But by then HBU had secured their 24th point of the campaign and scored their 124th goal. United face their toughest test of the season to date with Saturday's trip to Soham to play second-placed Bury. If HBU can win they will become heavy favourites to clinch the title for a 12th straight season.
United's player manager Phil McVey said: "I'm pleased the way we played today, we were always going to beat Sheffield, but we managed to remain disciplined throughout. We need to be at our best against Bury, we won the league at their place last year, so they will be looking for revenge."
HBU goalscorers: Simon Hosking 9, Neil Austin 2, Brendan Barker 4, Nick Barton 2, Phil McVey 1
Posted: 27 January 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne United 3 - 28 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 15 January)
Defending champions Herne Bay United beat Herne in a one-side Premier League local derby at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Herne fielded a weakened team and struggled to cope from the first whistle. Simon Hosking hit 10 goals for HBU, while Neil Austin claimed six and Phil McVey four. Karl Smith and Nick Barton both hit hat-tricks with Brendan Barker adding the other two. Herne's scorers were Michael Collins, Scott Parker and Tommy Harbord.
United started strongly, were 3 - 0 up within three minutes, and led 11 - 1 at half time. The second half saw United push forward, keen to add to their tally, and on this form they look unbeatable. Herne improved, with veteran Parker going close on several occasions, but United continued to dominate in an entertaining, crowd-pleasing exhibition, full of excellent teamwork and well-worked goals. The victory moved United top of the table for the first time this season, with Herne in mid table.
United player manager Phil McVey said: "I was pleased with the way we played. Although we had a big lead, we still played good hockey throughout. I thought it was our best performance of the season so far. I thought Herne gave it their all and hopefully will do enough to stay up." Herne captain Peter Taylor said: "It was always going to be difficult against them. We were missing a few players, but it's our first year in the Premier League, and so far we have acquitted ourselves well. Our aim this year is to remain there, and so far we have bounced back well. We need to as we have a big game on Saturday."
Posted: 20 January 2005
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Herne Bay United 12 - 4 Letchworth (Played: Saturday 4 December)
Man of the match Neil Austin and Sam Jackson both hit hat-tricks as Herne Bay United completed a comfortable 12 - 4 Premier League win over Letchworth at the Stirling Centre in Chatham on Saturday. The game was switched as the Pier Pavilion was unavailable, and United made as low start as the visitors created some early chances. Brendan Barker opened the scoring with a close range flick into the top corner before Jackson added the second with seven minutes left in the first half. Then Austin reeled off three quick goals, and another from captain Simon Hosking sent the defending champions in leading 6 - 0 at the break.
Jackson made it 7 - 0 a minute after the restart, and the visiting side struggled to contain them despite a string of fine saves by Letchworth goalkeeper Anthony Kendal. Austin added his fourth, and then Jackson hit another two to complete his treble to leave United 10 - 0 up, and seemingly cruising. However they eased up and Letchworth striker Kristen Oaten scored twice for the visitors. Nigel Allen and Robbie Fone then netted two more. Player manager Phil McVey scored and Austin got his fifrth to complete another high-scoring win for United.
Hosking said: "We are happy with the win, although we didn't play anywhere near our best. We would have preferred to have played on our home rink, but overall it was a good team performance, and it gives us a good platform to build on." McVey added: "We will work hard in training to ensure we improve as we have a tough double-header in the North next week." United are away to Middlesbrough on Saturday week, and then visit Manchester the following day.
Posted: 9 December 2004
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Under 13's
United Minors under 13s made the long trip to Plymouth, where they beat the host club, but lost to both Farnham and Lipson. The excitement and lack of sleep produced disjointed team work, and they will hope to return to form in their next tournament.
Team: Ashley Barton, Ben Barton, Kelly Fox, James Hingle, Becca Lawrence, Sam Rowbotham, Alex Mount, Eddie Mount, Alfie Sheppard, Emily Sheppard
Posted: 9 December 2004
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Under 15s
The Intermediates also travelled to Plymouth to play in their second tournament of the season. United played local rivals Herne Bay United in the most exiting game of the day. HBU went one goal up after 10 minutes with a goal from Myles Tichband. Then 40 seconds into the second half Liam Holland scored a second goal, a beautifully executed volley with the opposing goalkeeper unsighted by his own player. Herne Bay tested the United defence and goalkeeper Joel Carnell and scored after nine minutes. It was an excellent team game with everyone playing their part.
HBU went on to win their remaining games against Plymouth 6 - 2 and Farnham 13 - 1. The results leave United in joint first place with Herne Bay.
Team: Myles Barker, Joel Carnell, Jake Fox, Tom Hawkins, Liam Holland, Wayne Taylor, Myles Tichband
Posted: 9 December 2004
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Premier League: Grimsby 3 - 13 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 25 November) and Sheffield 2 - 22 (Played: Sunday 26 November 2004)
Herne Bay United recorded two big wins in their weekend Premier League double-header. They began with a 13 - 3 win at Grimsby United on Saturday, and then recorded their biggest win for many years, beating Sheffield 22 - 2. United hit eleven goals in each half against the Yorkshire club.
Grimsby were undefeated going into the game, and started well before United gradually got their game together. They hit four goals in a 10-minute spell, and although Grimsby pulled one back, United added two more to lead 6 - 1 at the break. The second half went much the same way as United hit seven. Player manager Phil McVey said: "In the last few seasons we would take our foot off the pedal, but so far this season we have looked to completely dominate sides in the second half. I am looking for more of the same for the rest of the season."
Posted: 2 December 2004
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
Centenary League Cup
The entry of Herne United into the National league for the first time gives an extra edge to the start of the new roller hockey season. They will start against defending champions Herne Bay United at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday, November 6. And they made a promising start to the season by beating United, as well as fellow Premier league side Bury, and drawing against Manchester, in a new competition.
The Centenary League Cup was played initially in two pools, with the final play-offs at Peterborough on Sunday. Herne Bay United had qualified two teams, one winning all four of their games in the pool at Grimsby, and the other finishing fifth at Soham. At Peterborough, HBU 1st lost a dramatic semi-final 6 - 5 to Bury, conceding the winner right on the final whistle. Goalkeeper David Beeson suffered a cut head after two minutes, and they were 4 - 2 down early in the second half. Neil Austin and Karl Smith, in the final minutes, forced extra time, and Brendan Barker then put HBU ahead, only for Bury to strike twice in the last minute.
HBU 2nd, with a team of youngsters, won 3 - 2 against Kings Lynn to take ninth place overall. The first team then took on Herne, who had lost their semi-final 7 - 3 to Middlesbrough. HBU went three ahead with two goals from Barker and one from Austin but, without substitutes, they allowed Herne to level at 5 - 5 before Robert Singleton gave Herne victory with 13 seconds left.
HBU 1st: Dave Beeson, Brendan Barker, Neil Austin, Nic Espejo, Karl Smith
HBU 2nd: Paul Nelson, Charlie Pughe, Liam Holland, Myles Tichband, Tom Hawkins, Robert Carnell.
Final standings: 1 Bury, 2 Middlesbrough, 3 Herne United, 4 HBU 1st, 5 Grimsby, 6 Manchester, 7 Letchworth, 8 Maidstone, 9 HBU 2nd, 10 Kings Lynn
Posted: 30 September 2004
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
Back to top
