BUOYED by a goal after just 38 seconds, Investec Jersey Hockey Club Vets continued their giant-killing act in the quarter-finals of the HA Veterans Cup with a 5-0 win against Slough on Sunday.
And their reward yesterday was to be drawn away to Yorkshire club Ben Rhydding in the semi-finals on 6 April.
Peter Taylor will, of course, take huge credit after scoring a hat-trick at Jersey’s ‘home ground’ of East Grinstead, Surrey, on Sunday, but it was an excellent team performance against quality opposition according to team captain Paul Masterton.
Relaxing on a ski slope on holiday yesterday morning, Masterton said: ‘With five experienced Asian players in their team Slough were massive pre-match favourites, but we took them to the cleaners after shocking them with a goal in the opening minute.
‘Despite the final score line it was a really tough game for us and the early goal certainly surprised them and took the wind out of their sails.
‘We managed to keep possession well and knocking the ball around confidently we were able to capitalise with further goals at regular intervals.
‘Mark Bailey and Jerry Bolton also scored while goalkeeper Paul Dicker saved a penalty flick.
‘This is as far as a Jersey team has ever gone in this competition and I see no reason why we can not go on and possibly win the trophy.
‘This result is a big shock in the hockey world and I’m sure none of the clubs will have fancied being drawn against us.’
After Slough won the push back Peter Taylor stole the ball off a defender and scored with a low slap shot which wrong-footed the goalkeeper. Bailey made it 2-0 with a flick high into the net after Ed Daubeney, Conrad Evans and Bailey were involved in the build-up following a penalty corner.
Slough fought back hard but they were kept at bay by some solid defending by Jonathan Morley-Kirk and Jan Collins.
Expecting an onslaught, Jersey retained their dominance with a second goal from Taylor after he rounded several players to increase Jersey’s lead.
As Slough raised their game again Tim Nelson and goalkeeper Paul Duckworth excelled to keep them out, Duckworth pulling of a string of fine saves including a penalty flick.
Slough were unlucky not to convert during another period of pressure and they paid the price as Taylor completed his hat-trick after a near-post shot.
Bolton rounded off the win by scoring from a ferocious shot after good play from Masterton and Arran Eagar.
Jersey: Paul Dicker, Mark Bailey, Jan Collins, Aaron Eagar, Jon Moorley-Kirk, Tim Nelson, Paul Masterton (captain), Ed Daubeney, Peter Taylor, Nick Taylor, Peter Titterington, Jerry Bolton and Conrad Evans.
Article posted on 11th March, 2008 - 12.00am
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