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Roller Hockey News 1997-1998 Season
England Trials
Herne Bay United's Tommy Harbord will be bidding for a place in England's World Championships Roller Hockey squad on Saturday. The England team are playing against Halifax at Peterborough when the squad of 14 will be whittled down to a final 10. England compete in World Group B at Macau, Asia, in early September.
Harbord was to have been joined by United goalkeeper Danny Barton in the trial, but he has now pulled out. The only other Kent player in the squad is Maidstone's Joe Wheatley.
Postd: 16 July 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup Finals
Herne Bay United clinched two of the three National Roller Hockey Cup finals they contested at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre in Cambridge at the weekend. With the seniors having been knocked out in the semi-final, the club's honour rested on the intermediates, schoolboys and juniors. The intermediates triumphed against Letchworth, the schoolboys lost to Middlesbrough and the juniors were gifted their trophy when Manchester failed to arrive in time.
The under-15 intermediate side had the toughest task, up against Letchworth, who included the England goalkeeper among their ranks. United led 3 - 2 at half-time and in the second period played an excellent possession game to maintain their lead and take the crown. They can clinch the double next weekend at the final league tournament of the season.
Under-17 schoolboys had the toughest task of the day when they took on an older and physically superior Middlesbrough side. The final score of 8 - 0 paints a rather one-sided picture of a hard-fought contest. The previous weekend United had taken the national league championship relegating Middlesbrough to second place.
The under-20 match was to have been the highlight of the day, but when the Manchester side failed to show on time, the trophy was awarded to United.
Adur beat Sharley Park 10 - 2 in the minors (under-13s), Retford beat Herne United 9 - 1 in the women's and Letchworth beat Middlesbrough 16 - 4 in the seniors. The sponsor's prize of 10 sticks and balls was once again awarded to Herne Bay United.
Teams. Intermediates: D Beeson, J Fidock, K Ritchie, S Almond, B Davis, S Jackson, B Jackson, M Crocker, S Zacharia, P Nelson
Schoolboys: D Beeson, A Zacharia, J Nelson, K Ritchie, J Fidock, S Almond, T Austin, L Chestnut, S Jackson, P Nelson
Juniors: R Halfpenny, B Barker, K Smith, S Clarke, T Austin, A Zacharia, J Nelson, J Fidock, T Epps, D Beeson
Posted 2 July 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup Semi final: TAJ Herne Bay United 6 - 7 Middlesbrough
TAJ Herne Bay United suffered a shock defeat at Middlesbrough in the National Cup semi-final at the weekend. The smaller Middlesbrough rink has never suited United's open style of hockey and Middlesbrough went ahead after two minutes from a penalty slotted by Derek Smith past Dan Barton, who later saved another penalty. Kurt Holmes equalised, but Smith's second gave Boro the half time lead. The lead changed hands several times in the second period with 10 goals being scored. Boro's Stephen McCann struck the winner three minutes from time to end Herne Bay United's hopes of the double.
United next play Grimsby in the league at the Pier on May 30.
Posted: May 1998?
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup Qualifiers
Herne Bay United have their sights on a cup hat-trick after their under-15, under-17 and under-20 sides all won through to the National Roller Hockey Association's finals day at Cambridge on Saturday, June 27.
The under-15 (intermediate) side had the most comfortable passage, winning 8 - 0 against an Adur side who had beaten them 7 - 6 in their previous meeting, and they now face Letchworth in the final. Both United's remaining teams faced two games, with the under-20 juniors, galvanised by the return of Tony Austin and Lee Chestnut, beating Letchworth 6 - 4 and Middlesbrough 9 - 3 to set up a final showdown with Manchester.
United's under-17 schoolboys clinched their final spot with a 6 - 5 victory over Adur, but most of the drama had come in their opening match against Manchester, who led 4 - 2 before having a player and their manager red carded. The match finished 4 - 4 at full time and 6 - 6 after penalties, but was finally settled in United's favour when Alexis Zacharia found the top corner in sudden death. The match started at 3.30pm and finished at 6.45 pm, making it one of the longest in the cup's history. United now face Middlesbrough in the final.
United's under-13s missed out on a place in the final when they were beaten 13 - 4 by Sharley Park (Chesterfield), while the senior team were surprisingly ousted by Middlesbrough, who face either Letchworth of Maidstone.
Posted: May 1998?
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: TAJ Herne Bay United 5 - 2 Maidstone
TAJ Herne Bay United are on the brink of a sixth successive national title after brushing aside the challenge of main rivals Maidstone at the Pier on Saturday. United's 5 - 2 win means they need just one point from their remaining three games to take the championship and the chance of a league-cup double.
Against Maidstone their starting four of Dendy Hudson, Nigel Mills, Philip McVey and Chris Espejo played some sparkling hockey and scored two sweeping goals, the first from the right by Mills and the second from the opposite side by Espejo. Maidstone's counter-attacks were unable to find a way through until a defensive mix-up presented Joe Wheatley a clear run at goal. United's Dan Barton and his counterpart Paul Haynes performed heroics, including a penalty save each, before Hudson put United 3 - 1 in front. Maidstone replied through Julian Dennard. United introduced Kurt Holmes, who claimed a slap shot goal before Brendan Barker made it 5 - 2 from the spot after he had been brought down on a solo run.
United are next in action at the Pier on Saturday, May 30, when they entertain Grimsby, start 6pm. This weekend they travel to Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the National Cup.
Herne Bay United have welcomed the news that Saturday night roller hockey at the Pier has been saved. Under pressure from minor clubs the National Roller Hockey Association were considering abandoning home and away games in favour of Sunday morning tournament. But next season's Premier League will comprise seven teams meeting home and away. "We will continue in the European Cup and are working to form a league which includes French and Belgian teams," said Herne Bay United general secretary Aileen Barker.
Posted: May 1998?
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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England select teams vs Herne Bay United
Roller hockey supporters will have to decide who to cheer for when four England select teams take on local club sides at Herne Bay Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Herne United and TAJ Herne Bay United are taking part in what is expected to be a lively encounter. Herne United, top of the National Division 1 League, take on the England junior team (under 20) and Herne Bay United, top of the country's Premier Division, take on the England senior team. This should provide some competitive play, with players keen to impress the England management with the world and European Championships at the end of the year.
The other two matches are England Schoolboys Select versus Farnham Sharks and England Ladies versus Herne bay United Schoolboys. The first match is at 6pm, and the final one starts at 9pm.
Roger Pout, publicity officer for Kent County Roller Hockey Association, said the matches would display the reasonably high standard of skating skills needed to compete at the highest level. "Spectators will also realise that the four-wheel roller skate still remains the best to skate on for the traditional game of roller hockey, played under organised rules since 1896," added Mr Pout.
The National Roller Hockey Association of England are presenting the evening's programme in a bid to attract greater interest in the game and encourage increased sponsorship of the England team and the game in general. Figures released by the NRHA show that there are only 306 senior player (over 20) in the country, 106 juniors (17 - 19), 126 schoolboys (15 - 16), 1999 intermediates (13 - 14), 220 minors (9 - 12) and 40 under-nines. Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for under-16s.
Posted: 23 April 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Cup: TAJ Herne Bay United 13 - 4 Grimsby and Premier League: TAJ Herne Bay United 6 - 2 Letchworth
TAJ Herne Bay United remain on the course for a roller hockey double, following up a 13 - 4 Knock-out Cup success against Grimsby with a 6 - 2 victory over Letchworth in the Premier League. Against Grimsby the home side scored six times without reply before the break, and although the goals were shared more evenly in the second half, the result was never in doubt. Dendy Hudson and Nick Barton both claimed hat-tricks, with Philip McVey and captain Kurt Holmes hitting doubles. Steve Newman, Chris Espejo and Simon Hosking were the other scorers and were joined in the squad by keeper David Garlick.
A first-half hat-trick from Espejo paved the way for United's victory against Letchworth, who found their efforts to hit back repeatedly foiled by the home side's tight marking. With Simon Hosking also on target before the interval United went in 4 - 1 to the good, and further strikes from Hosking and Kurt Holmes made in 6 - 1 before Michael Mulot claimed Letchworth's second, with just one second remaining. Nigel Allen had earlier scored Letchworth's first goal to equalise within three minutes of Espejo's opener.
Posted: 12 March 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League: La Vendeenne 8 - 3 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 21 February)
Herne Bay United's Euro-roller hockey dream ended for another year when they lost Saturday's European champions League first round second leg tie in Nantes 8 - 3. Trailing 3 - 2 from the first leg at the Pier Pavilion a fortnight ago, United looked down and out after just 56 seconds of the return leg when La Vendeenne captain Herrin fired his side further aghead. United added to their own downfall by missing a penalty and adirect free hit.
The misery continued as the French host piled on the agony to make it 5 - 0 and 8 - 2 overall by half time.
United shuffled their squad of players to little effect after the interval as the semi-professionals from France increased their lead to 8 - 0. United finally found the right blend after their second time out and at last the visitors began to sparkle. Three goals inside four minutes followed, with Dendy Hudson (2) and Brendan Barker finally beating the home keeper. It was all too little, too late, however ,leaving United to reflect on their sixth successive first round European elimination.
United will need to put their disappointment behind them, on Saruday when they enterain Grimsby in the first round of the National Cup. The host go into the game at the Pier Pavilion with two players suspended, the legacy of two red cards during last season's dramatic final.
Team: Garrett Priestley, Dan Barton, Philip McVey, Jamie Baker, Dendy Hudson, Chris Espego, Simon Hosking, Breandan Barker, Nick Barton, Kurt Holmes
Posted: 26 February 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League: Herne Bay United 2 - 3 La Vendeenne (Played: Saturday 7 February)
They came with their drums and trumpets and conjured up a real European atmosphere at the Pier Pavilion. But the massed supporters of Herne Bay United could not inspire their team to their first victory in international competition as they lost 3 - 2 to French side La Vendeenne on Saturday. Unless they can overturn the European Champions League scoreline in the second leg in France on February 21, United will look back with great regret on a succession of missed chances.
French international goalkeeper Franck Tessier denied Simon Hosking twice and Chris Espejo once, from penalties, and Hosking twice more from direct free-hit moves. His England opposite number, Dan Barton, had been busiest in the opening stages, disdainfully pushing away a couple of long shots. But within two minutes of Hosking's first frustrated penalty La Vendeenne's Lucas Gaucher wriggled through a crowded defence to score from close range.
Three minutes later Hosking equalised from Mills' pass, but, after a blue card had sent captain Phil McVey to the 'sin bin', Barton pulled off a brilliant double save from Stephane Herin, only for Stephane Emeriau to score on the second rebound. The killer blow came halfway through the second half when an intricate move ended with a fine strike by David Garro, but seven minutes from time McVey returned to crack United's second goal and set up a storming finish. Espejo and Hosking skated strongly at the French defence, Nick Barton's rasping short skidded to safety off Tessier's pads, and in the dying second Espejo's shot was deflected upward by the goalkeeper, then flicked away from the crossbar by a relieved Laurent Mesnis.
Herne Bay United: D Barton, P McVey, N Mills, D Hudson, C Espejo, S Hosking, B Barker, N Barton, K Holmes, G Preistley
Posted: 12 February 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League: Herne Bay United 2 - 3 La Vendeenne (Played: Saturday 7 February)
English roller hockey champions Herne Bay United must gain their first European Champions League victory on foreign soil if they are to progress further in this season's competition. They play La Vendeenne in the French town of La Roche sur Yon, near Nantes, in the second leg of their knock-out tie on Saturday, February 21, after losing the first leg 3 - 2 at the Pier Pavilion last weekend.
Manager Terry Barton is confident that his side can still overcome the French semi-professionals, who had international goalkeeper Franck Tessier to thank for keeping United at bay. "They were relieved to have won afterwards," said Barton. "I think we played well enough to have won and that we can turn it round in the second leg. We finished the stronger and they were packing their defence to make it difficult for us at the end."
If United to progress they will earn three more home and away fixtures against top, full-time Italian, Spanish and Portuguese sides. "It will be very expensive but the players are committed even though they will have to contribute toward the costs," said Barton.
Posted: 12 February 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Champions League
Herne Bay United's roller hockey players take on one of France's top sides on Saturday when they entertain La Vendeenne in the preliminary round of the European Champions League at the Pier Pavilion. French champions two years ago, La Vendeenne are fourth this season, but United can take heart from the fact that their opponents have lost their last two matches.
Now in their sixth campaign of European competition, United have never progressed beyond the first round, but secretary Aileen Barker remains optimistic. "We've seen a video of one of their games and while they look a good side we'll be hoping to give them a good run for their money," she said.
Saturday's match at the Pier starts at 8pm and will be preceded at 7pm, by and under-15 match between the two clubs. Doors open at 6pm. Admission is £3.50 for adults and £2 for children and senior citizens. The second leg will be played in France on Saturday, February 21, with the winners going through to a round robin league stage, in which they will face six matches spread over 12 weeks.
Posted: 5 February 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League
Herne Bay United Roller Hockey Club could be left twiddling their thumbs at the Pier Pavilion this Saturday after the cancellation of their planned National League match. Scheduled visitors Grimsby Redhawks have been forced to pull out through injuries and illness leaving United without a fixture.
The cancellation could hardly have come at a worse time for United, who were hoping for a run-out ahead of their big European Champions League clash against French side La Vandeenne at the Pier on Saturday, February 7. With the Grimsby game now off United will go into the European tie having not played a competitive match since before Christmas. Doors open for the La Vandeenne match at 6pm, and tickets cost £3.50 for adults, and £2 for children and senior citizens.
United will be hoping to fare better that Letchworth and Sheffield Wildcats, both of whom were soundly beaten in the European Cup double header at the Pier last weekend. Sheffield went down 11 - 1 to French opponents La Merignac, while Letchworth were thrashed 24 - 1 by Spanish side Villafranca.
Posted: 15 January 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 14 - 2 Middlesbrough
Simon Hosking, Philip McVey and Dendy Hudson claimed hat-tricks as Herne Bay United thrashed Middlesbrough 14 - 2 in the Roller Skate Premier Roller Hockey League at the Pier Pavilion. United, the defending champions, began at a fast pace and took a fourth-minute lead when Jamie Baker tapped in after a well-worked team move. Exhibition-style hockey led to further strikes from Hudson, Hosking and Nigel Mills before the visitors pulled one back.
By half time, Hosking and Tommy Harboard had both found the net again and, hard though they tried, Middlesbrough were unable to stem the flow in the second period. Harboard, with his second, and an own goal extended United's lead to 8 - 1. Hosking, McVey and Hudson each struck twice more before the visitors gained a late goal.
Bay are next in league action on Saturday, January 17, when they face Grimsby Redhawks at the Pier (start 7.30pm). The match is their last before the European Champions League tie against French opposition La Vandeenne at the Pier on Saturday, February 7. The return will be in France later the same month.
Herne Bay United: Danny Barton, Philip McVey, Nigel Mills, Nick Barton, Jamie Baker, Simon Hosking, Steven Newman, Dendy Hudson, Tommy Harboard, David Garlick.
Posted: 8 January 1998
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Letchworth 3 - 13 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 13 December)
Herne Bay United scored a significant victory in defence of their Rollerskater UK Premier League roller hockey title when they thrashed one of their main rivals Letchworth 13 - 3. The tone for the match was set inside the first 13 seconds as Chris Espejo caught the home side cold with United's opening goal and by the eighth minute Espejo had completed his hat-trick. With Nigel Mills applying the finish to another well-worked move in between, United led 4 - 0 at which time Letchworth called a time out to regroup.
They emerged looking much tighter at the back, but still could not prevent Mills, Espejo and Simon Hosking striking again before the break to send United in seven goals in front. Letchworth mounted a few promising attacks towards the end of the half but they posed few problems for United keeper Danny Barton, who gave way to Garrett Priestly in the second period. United's tactics remained the same as they had before the interval, and a delicate chip from Dendy Hudson made it 8 - 0 before Letchworth pulled a goal back from a penalty.
Further United goals followed for Philip McVey, and Hudson, with two more, but with 11 minutes remaining Letchworth struck twice in quick succession, their third goal coming from ex United player Neil Austin. United, though, weren't done, and made sure they finished in the ascendancy with Hudson and Brendan Barker adding a goal apiece to maintain their unbeaten record.
Bay are in league action again on Saturday when they entertain Middlesbrough at the Pier Pavilion, start 7.30pm.
Herne Bay United: Danny Barton, Philip McVey, Garrett Priestly, Nigel Mills, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Brendan Barker, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes
Posted: 18 December 1997
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 15 - 2 Sheffield
For the first time this season Herne Bay United had a full-strength squad at their disposal and it was Sheffield Wildcats who were on the receiving end of a 15 - 2 thrashing in the National Premier League.
Bay's fast, slick hockey saw them build up an 8 - 0 lead by the break, and although unable to find the same fluency in the second half they still managed a further seven goals. Sheffield's replies came right at the start and end of the half, with their second being an own goal by Dendy Hudson, who responded by scoring a brilliant goal at the other end before being shown a blue card - all in the space of 22 seconds! Hudson finished with two goals while Brendan Barker also claimed a double and there were hat-tricks from captain Philip McVey and Simon Hosking. The tally was completed by Nigel Mills, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo and Kurt Holmes.
This win came at just the right time for defending champions United, who face the only other unbeaten team, Letchworth, away on Saturday. Both Letchworth and Sheffield Wildcats will be in European Cup action at Herne Bay's Pier Pavilion on Saturday, January 10. Sheffield face La Merginac, of France, while Letchworth take on Spanish side Villafrance. Herne Bay United have drawn against La Vandeenne, of France, in the qualifying round of the Champions League and will play the home leg at the Pier on Saturday, February 7, start 7.30pm. The return will follow two weeks later.
Herne Bay United: David Garlick, Philip McVey, Nigel Mills, Nick Barton, Chris Espejo, Simon Hosking, Brendan Barker, Dendy Hudson, Kurt Holmes, Garrett Priestly
Posted 11 December 1997
Reported by: Herne bay Gazette
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SECRHA Division 1
The Pier played host to the first of the season's South Eastern Counties Division 1 tournaments on Sunday, and Herne Bay United fielded two teams, one comprising of under-20s (HBU I) and the other of under-17s (HBU II).
With Ross Halfpenny injured the junior (under-20) team fielded Premier League keeper David Garlick, and he kept a clean sheet in their opening game against Reading as United triumphed 4 - 0. The games against HBU II (9 - 1) and Swindon team Highworth (9 - 4) produced comfortable wins, but in their final game HBU I met Herne United, who fielded most of their senior National League, Division 1 squad. The match proved an ill-tempered affair, but United held their nerve to preserve their 100 per cent record with a 2 - 1 success.
United's second string team is made up primarily of under 15s and was entered mainly to gain experience and they proved they are heading in the right direction under the guidance of former Premier League player Clive Bassom by beating Highworth 8 - 6 and holding Herne United to a 3 - 3 draw.
Other results: HBU II 2 Reading 6, Reading 3 Herne United 3, Reading 3 Highworth 1
HBU I: David Garlick, Karl Smith, Adrian Owen, Tristam Epps, Steve Clarke
HBU II: David Beeson, Alexis Zacharia, James Nelson, Keith Ritchie, Joe Fidock, Stuart Almond, Paul Nelson
Posted: 11 December 1997
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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