Masters (Over 40) Vs Worcester O40s

The Derwent Masters side began their third season with a win against Worcester in the England Hockey Over 40s Cup on Sunday.

Early exchanges were quite even before Jeff Longden struck his first after 10 minutes; a low strike from left to right from the top of the area. This brought a period of pressure for Derwent in which Longden added a second from a penalty corner and Steve Langrick added 2 more.

With Chris Hall and John Beardsley gaining the upper hand in midfield, Worcester were happy for the reprieve of half time.

Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Nick Prior kept the scoreboard ticking over with a wondrous reverse shot. However, Worcester then gained a period of dominance, winning several penalty corners in succession. With Paul Doran deflecting a couple of drag flicks wide (much to the annoyance of the Worcester forward), Adam Orduna clearing another off the line and Gareth Hurlbut saving most of the remaining shots, Worcester only managed to convert once.

Back on the front foot for the rest of the game, Derwent pressed forward through Henry Wallis and Ian Brown and despite missing a couple of chances, Derwent added 3 more through Longden (2) and Langrick.

“Playing twice in a weekend is always a hard ask so having a squad of 13 was a welcome bonus” commented Captain Doran. “Tony Goulding, Tim Pearson and Jason Sign kept our defensive line fresh, and our thanks go to Tom Ellison for stepping in at late notice to replace an injured umpire”.