Masters (Over 40) Vs Belper Over 40s

Derwent hosted a rare mid-Derbyshire derby against neighbours Belper in the England Hockey Masters (over 40s) Cup.

Injury, illness and family commitments were limiting the home side to just 11 players until Jason Barry flew in from Tanzania to offer bench options.

After an even opening period, Derwent opened the scoring after Henry Wallis released Steve Langrick into the area. A lifted shot beat the outrushing goalkeeper and Andy McKeown converted - not waiting, quite rightly, to see if the shot was going in or wide (it was going wide).

The ebb and flow of the match returned with ex-Derwentian James Stedman getting more touches. However, Jason Sign marshalled him well throughout the match limiting his sum of shots to just one.

General exhaustion meant little was said at half time but the general consensus was "same again" in the second half.

With twinges being felt by Wallis and Masters Debutant, Jim Harrison, the trip for Barry wasn't wasted as he saw plenty of second half action in a variety of positions.

With Adam Orduna shoring up midfield alongside Langrick, 1-0 looked the likely scoreline until a flurry of late action. First, Stedman finally got into the area but his rising shot was well saved by Neil English. Then, a long ball from Tony Goulding found McKeown on the edge of the Belper area. After some twists and turns, McKeown go a shot away but the rebound went straight to Chris Pooley who converted from close range.

With little time left, a few runs to the corner ran the clock down and this well contested match come to an end.

Derwent now travel to Stourport on 16 November for Round 2.