Mens 1's wrap up the season in style

This was a typical end of season game between 2 teams that had little to play for apart from ending the season on a high note. Ball pace was slow and movement off the ball not as proactive as it should be. The first half ended 0-0 with very little to report on. The tempo was stepped up by Havering in the second half and despite never playing to the standard that they have become accustomed to they were rewarded with 3 goals. The first one came from a Gaz Ingram flick that was won by Alex Simpson after a mazy run into the D. The second goal was scored a few minutes later. Glen Noller skipped past a couple of defenders on the byline before passing the ball backwards towards the penalty spot. The pass was met by Alex Defroand who drilled the ball against the backboard - a just reward for a player who has been one of the key elements in the Havering midfield all season. Havering kept on attacking and squandered a couple of clean goalscoring opportunities before Harry Andrews put the scoreline beyond the Magpies’ reach with a backspace hit that caught the home team’s keeper off guard. Led by Man of the Match Jack Barlow in defence, Havering seemed to be cruising towards a clean sheet but unfortunately the home team were awarded a couple of penalty corners in the last minute. Nik Males in goal saved the first one brilliantly but could do nothing on the second attempt. There was hardly time to restart after this and the game ended 3-1.

This has been a truly memorable season for Havering Hockey Club. Led by player-coach Paul Johnson and captain Michael Caruana Smith the Men’s first team finished the season promoted to Premier A as champions and undefeated. It was a heroic squad effort. Joseph Shearer-Rust and Nik Males in goal conceded 14 less goals than any other team in the division. The defence was a stronghold throughout with Harry Jenkins, Jack Barlow, Adam Lumbers, Josh Cipa, Alastair Lewis, Michael Caruana Smith and Paul Johnson all providing their input in managing this feat. The midfield proved to be the dynamic engine of the team with Alex Simpson, Paul Dover, Alex Defroand and Marcus Hall all shining. The forward line - formed by Ollie Cipa, Harry Andrews, Gaz Ingram, Stuart Garnell, Glen Noller and Christopher Dunn - managed to notch up 84 goals and allowed the team to play good, fast and fluid hockey by continuous movement that opposing teams found very hard to deal with.

Havering will now look forward to gracing the top flight of East hockey once again.