Sheffield Hockey Club

Sheffield Hallam retained the Yorkshire Cup this weekend in emphatic style, scoring 23 goals in just 4 games in the process.

Saturday saw Group stage matches against Sheffield Bankers and Ben Rhydding, both of which were despatched for the same scoreline, 6-1. Neither of these teams are as strong as they have been in recent years, and therefore it was no surprise that Sheffield scored at regular intervals in each game, with superior skill and fitness levels making the difference over the 50 minute games on a hot day in Wakefield. Roper, Berry, Smith, Goodfield, Furlong, Ebbage, Musgrave and Feasby were the scorers on the day, the highlight being Danny Berry’s two goals both of which saw him dribble past several defenders before lashing the ball home emphatically.

 A surprise result in the other group meant that Sheffield’s semi final opponents at Doncaster on Sunday were the hosts themselves. The large Doncaster crowd were silenced from the outset as Sheffield moved the ball quickly and decisively, creating numerous goalscoring opportunites which were thwarted by Watson in the Doncaster goal. However the pressure told eventually, and mid way through the first half Tristan Gilbody finished off a flowing move with a volley from close range. Doncaster rallied in the second half, but Sheffield weathered this storm thanks to important contributions from keeper Cachia and Mike Shaw in defence, and then hit Doncaster with a series of devastating counter attacks, resulting in goals for Musgrave, Smith and Goodfield.

Sheffield’s opponents in the final Wakefield had earlier beaten Ben Rhydding 1-0 in the other semi, and were certainly out to cause an upset in the final. Sheffield stamped their authority on the game from the push back, with early goals from Berry and Smith suggesting the potential for a rout. Wakefield showed spirit, however, and won a penalty flick which was duly converted. However Sheffield re-focussed, and Feasby and Smith again got on the scoresheet to give the holders a commanding lead at half time. Sheffield turned on the style in the second half as cracks began to show in Wakefield’s defiance, and Longson and Mike Shaw (2) added to the total, with Wakefield returning a consolation goal from a short corner late on, 7-2 the final result. Phil Roper was deservedly awarded the “Man of the Final” award for his direct running and creativity in the final third.

So the trophy was won for a second successive year, and this time on the turf of old rivals Doncaster. A statement of intent for the season as Sheffield aim to go one better this year by topping the league table come April 2012.