14 Nov 09

Durham Uni 4ths - 5 Sunderland 1sts - 4

For the first time this season Sunderland had the same team two weeks running in a season that has so far been blighted by injuries. It was the Durham team, however, that were quickest out of the blocks, racing into a two goal lead with the help of some disastrous Sunderland defending. To their credit, Sunderland battled back towards the end of the first half and this effort was rewarded when Matt Dench ended a mazy run with a strong finish.

The fight back continued in the second half but it seemed that every time Sunderland worked themselves back into the match they were determined to shoot themselves in the foot. Of the Durham Uni team’s 5 goals, 2 were conceded directly from a loss of possession at the back and one was an own goal from a short corner which was deflected into the goal when the initial shot was going wide. Sunderland managed 3 more goals of their own, with Nick Campbell putting away 2 of them and Andy Brown the other. This left the score at 5-4 to Durham , setting up a tense finish to the game.

Unfortunately, the Sunderland team could not find a way through and they were left ruing a couple of moments of madness that ultimately led to a defeat that could easily have been a very useful victory. Nevertheless, the overall team performance merited at least a draw and this should offer some encouragement for the next game against Newcastle Uni 2nd’s.

Sunderland 2nds - 5 Richmond 2nds - 3

Newcastle 1sts - 0 Sunderland 3rds - 5

Sunderland 3rds achieved their finest League win of the season over high flying Newcastle 1sts at the Westgate Centre. In truth, the scoreline flattered the Wearsiders in what was a very competitive and equally well contested game. Sunderland scored first against the run of play with a suberb break and cross from Peter Billyard down the right which Jonny Raine slammed home at the far post. Sunderland`s remaining 4 goals all came from short corners. The first was scored by Stewart Douglas who pounced on a save and struck home at short range. The second was scored by Jonny Raine who reverse sticked a short corner strike. The third was scored by skipper Michael Brown from a switched short corner routine. Finally, Jonny Raine completed a well deserved hat trick with another deflected touch from a fierce short corner strike from Steve Liddle. Despite excellent finishing, Sunderland`s man of the match was defender James Magog who tackled steadfastly throughout and made 3 goal line saves. Wearside keeper Antony Merton- Smith was also outstanding making a number of vital saves in the last 15 minutes as Newcastle piled on the pressure.

Sunderland 4ths - 1 Richmond 4ths - 1

In an enjoyable game the visitors took the lead, but Sunderland never lost heart and equalised through George Johnston to share the spoils. With players from higher teams coming back from injury the fourths will be able to field some more experienced players to compliment the rapidly improving youngsters against much improved Redcar team next week.

Sunderland U18s - 4 City of York U18s -5 (AET).

Sunderland Under 18`s were desperately unlucky in the National Under 18 Cup not to have won this superb game of hockey watched by a large contingent of home supporters. Sunderland`s goals were scored by Jamie Emmerson who nutmegged the York keeper following a superb through pass from Jonny Pearson, Matt Kettley at close range following an excellent reverse stick cross from Jamie Emmerson, Matty Dobison with a ferocious short corner flick and Jamie Emmerson following an excellent through pass from Jonny Raine. Sunderland were 2 up at half time and allowed York to score 2 quickly  in the second half. The Wearsiders scored again and led throughout before York scored a penalty corner 3 minutes from full time. In sudden death extra time, York scored a short corner. This was bitterly disappointing as the Wearsiders played well throughout with Alec Jackson and Matty Dobison superb at the back.

Awards Dinner Mar 09

Congratulations to the following, all well deserved;

First team player of the year - Neil Sparrowhawk

Second team player of the year - Sam Evans

Third team player of the year - Peter Billyard

Fourth team player of the year - Jamie Connolly

Top club goalscorers - Andy Wilson & Mark Wilkinson

Club player of the year - Andy Wilkinson

Most improved player of the year - Jonny Raine

Young player of the year - Jamie Emmerson

George Johnston won the bonus ball draw.

Conference League

Gateshead 4ths won the conference cup

Redcar 2nds won the conference vase

Richmond won the North East Hockey League fair play award.