RUGBY & East Warwickshire Hockey Club’s over 40’s side reigned supreme at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, after beating Isca 3-1 to win the Tier 1 National Over 40’s title.
Stepping out onto the pitch at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London, REWHC finally got their hands on the trophy at the second time of asking – three years after their previous attempt at claiming glory.
The side demonstrated some early nerves but soon got them out of their system after Danny Bell pulled off an early save, from which point Rugby began to press upfield.
Luke Hurle worked the ball towards goal and finished superbly to put Rugby ahead, before he won a penalty stroke from which Chris Duerden converted to double the lead.
Bell made another stunning stop to deny Isca from picking out the top corner of the net, whilst further chances fell and went astray for Rugby before the break.
Isca had their crossbar rattled by Greg Wade, which allowed them to cut the deficit to one when scoring down the other end.
Going into the final minute, Isca had a penalty corner to try and find a leveller, but after Rich Major won back possession, he slipped the ball forwards to Wade to chip the keeper and seal the title for his side.
