HOCKEY: DEESDIE Ramblers' second team stole the show on Saturday with a thrilling 6-1 home thrashing of Liverpool Sefton firsts.
Goals from Phil Brown, Mark Cookson, Tom Leonard (2) and Matt Hassell (2) got Mike Cope's side back on the winning trail in convincing style.
The thirds consolidated their league lead-ership with a convincing 10-1 win against Knutsford's seconds, taking their goals tally to 96 for the season.
Their quick-passing, interchanging forwards were absolutely irrepressible and the visiting defence just could not cope.
A half-time lead of four goals proved an inviting springboard for a second half of ceaseless attacking.
Hedley Pollard was again the name to remember, leading the scoring spree with six, supported by Steve Cooper (2), Ajax Davies and Guy Fennell.
The fourths were goalless at half-time against Sale seconds but second-half strikes from captain Keith Hindley and a double from Rob Thompson eventually produced a 3-0 victory.
League leaders Triton seconds had too much guile for the fifths as they went down 3-1. Phil Johnson scored the Ramblers' only goal.
The Badgers put up a fine performance against a Timperley side with plenty of experience. Stuart McIntyre had his best game of the season and was voted man-of-the-match, while the goals came from Ben Heyward and William Wilson (2) in the 3-1 win.
The Beavers made it 10 straight wins as they brushed aside Northern Beavers 5-1. Ben Lamont scored three and there were also strikes from Matthew Ravenscroft and Tom Fernall. Sam Meakins picked up the man-ofthe-match award.
Deeside Ramblers Veterans destroyed Timperley by an incredible 12-1. There were hattricks for Keith Hindley and Phil Brown while Arthur Fearnall scored five. Mike Cope scored the other.
Highlight of the day, however, was stand-in keeper Dave Kay's save from a flick.
Top games at Tarporley tomorrow are the ladies' firsts who play at 1.30pm against Drif-field and the men's firsts who play at 3pm against promotion favourites Brooklands. Details of Ramblers membership can be obtained from Howard or Dilys Dodds on 01244 300392.
Chester men's second team were hoping to put on a better performance this week. Unfortunately, despite a goal by Moulson, they went down 4-1 at home to Urmston.
In a tough fixture against Rhyl, Chester's fourth team were determined to get a result. And, fortunately, their goal-scoring eye was in. Goals came from Evans, North and two from Warburton as they beat their North Welsh opponents 4-2. Spectators turned out in force to watch Chester Ladies play Harrogate Ladies in a topversus-bottom clash, and they were rewarded with a thrilling 4-2 win by the hosts.
With so much to play for, Harrogate started strongly and put two goals away in a short space of time.
Never having been two goals down this season, Chester were immediately spurred into playing their game of hockey.
Just before half-time, Catherine Gill came on to show fantastic skill as she dribbled the ball along the backline and slotted it into the goal.
After half-time, Chester started to entertain the crowd and stepped up the pace. Fran O'Neil's strike on goal brought the score to 2-2, closely followed by Laura Millar scoring from another short corner.
Harrogate just couldn't keep up with the pace and ball speed of the dynamic home side. A skilful delivery by Debbie Roper provided a simple goal for Michelle Daltry, to give the Chester side a 4-2 victory and another three points in the league.
In an evenly-matched game, Chester Ladies' second team started well against Timperley. Keeper Sharon Durrow, named player-of-the-match, saved a penalty flick in the first few minutes of the game.
This gave Chester confidence to strive forward and Amie Devlin sent a scorcher into the backboard, giving Chester the lead. Shortly before half-time, Laura Wilson managed to get on the end of a clinical cross by Jill Parkinson to give Chester their second goal.
Chester lost a bit of composure in the second half, forcing Durrow to make a number of superb saves before Timperley eventually pulled one back. Chester hung on though for a 2-1 win.
Chester Ladies' third team turned on the style in a 2-0 win over Ellesmere Port Ladies in a Cheshire League fixture.
Jenny Aspinall converted the first goal from a superb Chester build-up in the first half.
Chester piled on the pressure throughout the first half but were unable to convert due to some excellent saves from the Ellesmere Port keeper.
The second-half saw Chester keep the attacking momentum and they soon converted a second goal following skilful play from Claire Gledhill.
Chester demonstrated outstanding ability, both attacking and defensively, to complete an inspiring 2-0 win.
Anyone interested in playing hockey is welcome to join Chester Hockey Club. Contact Janet Bickle on 01606 781931, Ian Boothroyd on 01244 318805 or visit the website www.chesterhc.org
