Roundup
Hockey
Oaks are champions while Horseshoes just miss out BY NEIL MOVERLEY
A
climactic end to the season sees the Rutland Oaks (pictured) crowned as Division Two champions, securing back-toback promotions to rise from the third division to the top league in two seasons, and the Horseshoes miss out on the Division One title by three points but secure a place in the Leicestershire plate final. RUTLAND OAKS The Oaks were crowned champions of the second division with a comprehensive away win over Phoenix. Goals from Warren Ginn, Nick Pinner, Greg Topping and Sam Raybould ensured the Oaks will be joining the Horseshoes in the first division next season. However it was the hard-fought victory over second placed Forest Wanderers two weeks before that secured promotion. The mesmeric running of Lucy Ginn scoring one of the goals of the season; beating four defenders from a wide left starting position before rounding the keeper, leaving him beached on the floor, and casually knocking the ball into the open goal, was the highlight of the top of the top of the table clash. The Oaks, superbly led from the back by the captain Tracey Taylor and her able deputy Ben
Chisholm, have constantly attacked the opposition this season with a high pressure game and constant attacking purpose that saw them finish as top scorers with 53 goals this season from 20 games. Paul Willets, Ralph Avery and Suzie have rotated as goalkeeper throughout the season to ensure that Rutland have always built from a solid base. However it has often been the set piece quality provided by Warren Ginn, Gregg Topping and Charlie Hamnett that has often proven the difference in tight games. We don’t have space to mention every player who has had an impact over the season but Sam Raybould and Christine Stride
deserve special mention for their performances in a whole range of positions this year. Sam and Christine have played in nearly every position on the pitch and in too many games to mention have either popped up at the back post to score vital goals or made last ditch challenges to prevent the opposition breaking away. They have truly exemplified the spirit and attitude of the players this season and demonstrate the reason why the league title is well deserved. Next season will be the first time that Rutland have had two teams in the top division. The Oaks will have no fear next season having run Market Harborough close (who finished third in the top division) in a cup quarter-final and are looking forward to an inter-club derby. LEICESTER PLATE SEMI-FINAL With the disappointment of finishing second in the league so fresh, the Horseshoes were provided with an opportunity to reach a cup final and a chance to play for some silverware in the last game of the season. Phil Ash called for a big performance and the Horseshoes duly obliged, sweeping aside Leicester Thursday B 9-0 to set up the final against Welford as the last game of the season.
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