Cannock Firsts Survive

On the final day of the league season Cannock’s National Premier League status lay in the balance. Cannock needed a win over second placed Beeston or they required Loughborough to lose or draw their game against Reading, who was still fighting for a European place.

Cannock were forced into a few personnel changes and were without the services of Dave Beckett, who had been ordered to rest by England Hockey, and Harry Jawanda. Five minutes into the game Cannock lost Dave Devey with a back injury. Throughout the first half the two teams were evenly matched. A moment of magic from Arjun Chana created a penalty corner which Pete Jackson fired low passed the Beeson keeper’s right hand. This was shortly followed by a second Cannock corner which was kept out with an excellent save from the keeper. Beeston started to dominate the second half forcing Cannock keeper Paddy Smith to make two fine saves and driving the defence to scramble the ball to safety. Then Cannock’s luck ran out and a converted penalty corner from a debatable decision, and then a costly wayward pass put Beeston ahead by a goal. After this narrow defeat Cannock had to sit nervously to find out whether Reading had done them a favour. When the news came through that Loughborough had been beaten 4-2, the relief was obvious. Secure in the knowledge that they will continue to play in the top flight, Cannock will now need to take stock and begin early preparations for greater success next season. However, before this they could end their season on a high when they compete against Brooklands in the Now Pensions Cup Final at Beeston on 3rd May.

Masters Reach Cup Final

After beating Robinsons in the quarter finals, Cannock Over40s Masters took on Jersey, at home, in the semi-finals of the NOW Pension Masters Premier Cup competition. Fresh from an 8-0 win over Durham the week before, Jersey had to jet into Gatwick and head north once again. Cannock was without Olympian Kalbir Takhar, and compatriot Chris Mayer was carrying an injury, but the squad still had enough quality to edge a victory. Cannock kept possession well and new boy Dave Bradury, fresh from his football game, added to this dimension. After several near misses Cannock found the goal on the stroke of half time, through a bullet into the roof of the net from Andy Humphrey. Despite further pressure in the second half Cannock failed to finish the game off. With the fixture still in the balance Jersey put all their efforts into an assault on the Cannock goal. Cannock was caught in a rare moment of ill-discipline which allowed Jersey a couple of half chances in front of goal. They were also awarded a penalty corner in this period. The resulting drag flick was pushed away by goal keeper Steve Parker and Cannock resumed control. With the game drawing to a close Chris Mayer drove the ball into the D for Gary Stacey to deflect passed the Jersey Keeper. The Cannock Masters will now join their First Team on the Now Pensions finals weekend when they will also meet Brooklands in the final at Beeston on the 4th May. Cannock will hope they can go one better than last year and lift the trophy.

Further Cannock successes this weekend included the 7ths who clinched promotion with a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury 4ths and will now play for the league title next week. The seconds secured their second place in the Midlands Premier League with a 3-3 draw against Leek.