Hockey: Ramblers feeling the pressure at top of the Premier Division

Dec 12 2008 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

Deeside Ramblers 3 Durham University 2

RESULTS have been getting tighter for table-topping Deeside recently – and this one was certainly no exception.

The Ramblers managed to maintain their 100% record in the Northern Premier Division on Saturday but the highly organised student team from Durham made them fight for it.

A penalty corner was awarded to Deeside in the first two minutes and a double save from the keeper only allowed Ghazanfar Ali to fire home and put the hosts in front.

In defence, Josh Guy proved outstanding alongside Graeme Allwood and the pair were vital in preventing Durham from taking anything from the game.

Minutes before half-time Durham drew level, but Deeside still found time to restore their lead, Guy finding the stick of Ali who deflected it into the net.

Following the restart, Durham quickly equalised again and keeper Stuart Symms was injured, forcing first team manager Mark Goodyer to take over between the sticks.

He repelled all future Durham advances while at the other end Ali completed his hat-trick from a penalty corner.

Tomorrow, Deeside face fellow title challengers Bowdon at home.

A 2-1 home defeat to Runcorn was disappointing for Deeside Ladies 2nds as they would have hoped to take a point from this match.

Runcorn opened the scoring but early in the second half, Rebekah Andrew managed to deflect the ball to equalise.

The visitors did claim a second goal, however, despite the efforts of Rebecca Holland in the Deeside goal who made some fantastic saves.

Yvonne Damaertz was the star performer for Deeside 3rds as they drew 1-1 with Buckley.