RichardGraham
05-05-2004, 07:11 PM
Hi Folks,
Here's a report from the Scottish University Roller Hockey Championships. Enjoy.
***
Defending Scottish Champions Edinburgh travelled to Aberdeen at the weekend for the second Scottish University Championship tournament. Player coach Malcolm Junor was eager to secure some silverware after ranking 3rd in the British Universities Championship a few weeks earlier, as a senior this would be his last outing with the team.
The first game of the day saw a road tired Edinburgh A go down by a goal within minutes of the starting whistle against home advantaged Aberdeen A. Captain Andrew Bridgewood replied for Edinburgh, opening the second period and Edinburgh?s scoresheet for the day but Aberdeen wasted no time in restoring their one goal lead through defenseman Stephen McPherson to finish the game 2-1. It was a disappointing start for the over-confident Edinburgh team, previously unbeaten by the Aberdeen squad since 2002.
Edinburgh University?s B-team, the Blues, greatest challenge of the day came in a closely fought match against St Andrew?s University. Having beaten St Andrew?s with a bench of six players in their last encounter, Edinburgh were keen to cement their victory with a win which would place them in contention for a semi-final spot. Despite a one goal lead gained by Edinburgh?s visiting star Andrew Harder, St Andrew?s equalised at the end of the first leaving all to play for moving into the second half. A superb shot from Anna Gaskell gave Edinburgh advantage once again but St Andrew?s were a determined side pulling ahead with goals in the tenth and twelfth minutes. Tension was heightened by the short game length and the last few minutes proved to be a scoring fest with first Edinburgh then St Andrew?s putting another past the respective keepers. With nine seconds to play a scramble in front of the Edinburgh net left goalie Jonathan Plews injured by a blow to the head and forced his retirement from the tournament. Edinburgh played to the whistle with 5 skaters but St Andrew?s seized the opportunity to increase their lead to 5-3, scoring on an empty net.
A newly determined Edinburgh A went on to dominate in their three remaining round robin games. Edinburgh keeper Andrew Gillies maintained an impressive three game shut-out and the team knocked up a tally of some sixteen goals, seeding second for the tournament and securing the crucial semi-final spot.
In the Semi-finals Edinburgh faced the St Andrew?s side that had dashed the Blues chances of a semi-final place. Edinburgh A-team looked eager from the outset, controlling the pace of the game and leaving St.Andrews to chase the game. The defence played a strong game giving the St.Andrews attack little option. Edinburgh came out of the game with a 4-0 victory and looked set for the final.
The final was, appropriately, a clash between rival teams Aberdeen A and Edinburgh A. An early goal from Aberdeen boosted their confidence and although Edinburgh managed to equalise through Nils Lindstrom, Aberdeen?s Kaius Heinila beat the defence for a late goal to move the hosts into the lead. Rough play left both teams frustrated and resulted in penalties on both sides late in the first half. The Edinburgh power play proved the stronger of the two, capitalising on the man advantage to close the gap. Aberdeen on the other hand were powerless to defeat the formidable penalty kill trio of McFadzean, Howarth and Bridgewood. Back to full strength for the remainder of the game the evenly matched sides fought hard for every loose puck. Keith Devon?s potential game winner for Edinburgh was washed out late in the 3rd, which only served to heighten the tension.
The game finished with three goals apiece and the Championship was to be decided on penalty shots.
First to shoot for Aberdeen, Heinila scored, upping the pressure on Edinburgh. Canadian superstar McFadzean then took Edinburgh?s first shot but neither luck nor the referee was on Edinburgh?s side and the controversial goal was waved off. Edinburgh gained control when James Howarth and Andrew Bridgewood successfully slotted away their shots. Scotland Select player Ross Nicholson of Aberdeen evened up the score with the hosts? fifth and final shot.
Sudden death penalty shots followed with shooters Nils Lindstrom and Adam Major failing to secure the win for Edinburgh. Goalie Andrew Gillies kept Edinburgh in the frame and as Aberdeen missed their third consecutive shot, player coach Malcolm Junor stepped up, to shoot on goalie Colin Findlay. Junor found his stride and scored low glove side for Edinburgh, ending his roller hockey career on an all time high by securing the title of Scottish Champions for the second time and settling the score against a strong Aberdeen team.
Euphoria for Edinburgh A, disappointment for Edinburgh B as Edinburgh took first and last place in the tournament.
***
Sincerely,
Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central
Here's a report from the Scottish University Roller Hockey Championships. Enjoy.
***
Defending Scottish Champions Edinburgh travelled to Aberdeen at the weekend for the second Scottish University Championship tournament. Player coach Malcolm Junor was eager to secure some silverware after ranking 3rd in the British Universities Championship a few weeks earlier, as a senior this would be his last outing with the team.
The first game of the day saw a road tired Edinburgh A go down by a goal within minutes of the starting whistle against home advantaged Aberdeen A. Captain Andrew Bridgewood replied for Edinburgh, opening the second period and Edinburgh?s scoresheet for the day but Aberdeen wasted no time in restoring their one goal lead through defenseman Stephen McPherson to finish the game 2-1. It was a disappointing start for the over-confident Edinburgh team, previously unbeaten by the Aberdeen squad since 2002.
Edinburgh University?s B-team, the Blues, greatest challenge of the day came in a closely fought match against St Andrew?s University. Having beaten St Andrew?s with a bench of six players in their last encounter, Edinburgh were keen to cement their victory with a win which would place them in contention for a semi-final spot. Despite a one goal lead gained by Edinburgh?s visiting star Andrew Harder, St Andrew?s equalised at the end of the first leaving all to play for moving into the second half. A superb shot from Anna Gaskell gave Edinburgh advantage once again but St Andrew?s were a determined side pulling ahead with goals in the tenth and twelfth minutes. Tension was heightened by the short game length and the last few minutes proved to be a scoring fest with first Edinburgh then St Andrew?s putting another past the respective keepers. With nine seconds to play a scramble in front of the Edinburgh net left goalie Jonathan Plews injured by a blow to the head and forced his retirement from the tournament. Edinburgh played to the whistle with 5 skaters but St Andrew?s seized the opportunity to increase their lead to 5-3, scoring on an empty net.
A newly determined Edinburgh A went on to dominate in their three remaining round robin games. Edinburgh keeper Andrew Gillies maintained an impressive three game shut-out and the team knocked up a tally of some sixteen goals, seeding second for the tournament and securing the crucial semi-final spot.
In the Semi-finals Edinburgh faced the St Andrew?s side that had dashed the Blues chances of a semi-final place. Edinburgh A-team looked eager from the outset, controlling the pace of the game and leaving St.Andrews to chase the game. The defence played a strong game giving the St.Andrews attack little option. Edinburgh came out of the game with a 4-0 victory and looked set for the final.
The final was, appropriately, a clash between rival teams Aberdeen A and Edinburgh A. An early goal from Aberdeen boosted their confidence and although Edinburgh managed to equalise through Nils Lindstrom, Aberdeen?s Kaius Heinila beat the defence for a late goal to move the hosts into the lead. Rough play left both teams frustrated and resulted in penalties on both sides late in the first half. The Edinburgh power play proved the stronger of the two, capitalising on the man advantage to close the gap. Aberdeen on the other hand were powerless to defeat the formidable penalty kill trio of McFadzean, Howarth and Bridgewood. Back to full strength for the remainder of the game the evenly matched sides fought hard for every loose puck. Keith Devon?s potential game winner for Edinburgh was washed out late in the 3rd, which only served to heighten the tension.
The game finished with three goals apiece and the Championship was to be decided on penalty shots.
First to shoot for Aberdeen, Heinila scored, upping the pressure on Edinburgh. Canadian superstar McFadzean then took Edinburgh?s first shot but neither luck nor the referee was on Edinburgh?s side and the controversial goal was waved off. Edinburgh gained control when James Howarth and Andrew Bridgewood successfully slotted away their shots. Scotland Select player Ross Nicholson of Aberdeen evened up the score with the hosts? fifth and final shot.
Sudden death penalty shots followed with shooters Nils Lindstrom and Adam Major failing to secure the win for Edinburgh. Goalie Andrew Gillies kept Edinburgh in the frame and as Aberdeen missed their third consecutive shot, player coach Malcolm Junor stepped up, to shoot on goalie Colin Findlay. Junor found his stride and scored low glove side for Edinburgh, ending his roller hockey career on an all time high by securing the title of Scottish Champions for the second time and settling the score against a strong Aberdeen team.
Euphoria for Edinburgh A, disappointment for Edinburgh B as Edinburgh took first and last place in the tournament.
***
Sincerely,
Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central