Harlequins Hockey Match Report

Monday 16 April 2007

Mens Munster Division 1 League Playoff
CofI won with extra time golden goal

C of I (A)   3
Harlequins (A)   2

Scorers: D. Egner, D. Eakins

Quins denied 4 in a row by a controversial umpiring decision

Quins playing their 6th competitive match in 11 days produced a performance of conviction & pride but were denied the result that their performance deserved.

The game began brightly with Quins showing some very good early forward play before eventually opening the scoring in the 14th min. Paul Lombard made a strong run down the right wing & his well struck cross was deflected superbly to the goal by David Egner. After the goal CofI dominated the exchanges for the rest of the first half and were rewarded with 2 goals from very slick short corner routines.

The 2nd half remained scoreless until very near the end despite opportunities for both sides. Quins were unlucky to see David Eakins well struck shot go just wide following a short corner & David Egner's deflection from a Richard Gash cross hit a defender with Mark Ruddle beaten in the CofI goal. 5 mins from time David Eakins equalised with a very well directed short corner drag flick. Quins had the opportunity to win the game in normal time but this time David Eakins corner was well saved by a defender on the line.

Quins kept the tempo going and were awarded a short corner in the 3rd min of golden goal extra time. David Eakins drag was saved but as the ball came out off Mark Ruddle, John Hobbs rebounded superbly & the ball was finished to the goal by Richard Gash. Umpire Alex Treacy controversially ruled out the goal claiming dangerous play. This very poor decision cost Quins the title as CofI had a corner of their own 3 mins later & John Jermyn scored with a powerful drag flick.

This was a most unsatisfactory end to the Munster season & left a very bitter taste in the mouth. Both sides played excellent hockey but this game will long be remembered for the poor umpiring decision which cost Quins the title.

Team: C. Daunt, J. Hobbs, S. Nicholson, L. d'Alton, J. Black, M. Black, D. Lombard, D. Eakins, P. Lombard, R. Gash, D. Egner, E. Gash, P. O'Driscoll, J. Aherne, R. Hobbs, S. White