Riviera Division 1
Ashmoor Men's 2nd XI. 10
Exeter & Culm Vale Hornets 2nd XI. 0
FOR the second week in a row, Ashmoor men's 2nd team racked up ten goals and in doing so, made absolutely certain of the Riviera 1 League title and with it, promotion.
From the 10th minute, when Reuben Stanley rifled in a penalty corner, Ashmoor didn’t look back.
Charles Walker contributed five goals to the cause with 14-year-old Henry Walker striking as well, not to mention that a Dan Cowdry hat-trick took his tally to the campaign to 30. Photographed by Mark Lockett is Sam Haywood setting up Cowdry.
The 2nd XI still have four league matches remaining and travel to face Torbay 2nd XI next.
England Hockey National League Conference West.
Ashmoor Men's 1st XI. 3
University of Exeter Men's 2nd XI. 3
Ashmoor men's 1st team hosted Exeter University, the two sides having played out a 2-2 draw back when they met in November.
Ashmoor have an excellent defensive record in recent matches but were caught napping on the opening whistle when Cullen Turner had the ball stolen off him, the Uni team creating an opening and burying their shot for a 1-0 lead. Minutes later Ashmoor gave away a soft penalty corner and Exeter scored to double their lead. It was a wake-up call for Ashmoor and the team rallied to go on the offensive.
After chances for the likes of Rich Fisher and Charles Walker, stand-in captain Rich Ashworth was on hand to bury a rebound and half the deficit.
After Walker was unceremoniously taken out by the goalkeeper, the umpire had to choice but to award a penalty stroke and Fisher continued his 100% record from the sport to make it two apiece.
Fisher’s sheer power in the final quarter then had the keeper beaten again, completing the turnaround. The Uni side weren't finished though and launched a number of good attacks, eventually drawing level with a high drag flick goal.
Three further penalty corners were expertly dealt with by the Ashmoor defence and no further goals left the score at 3-3 for a sporting draw.
Ashmoor's Pallex Player of the Match went to tireless midfielder and stand-in captain Rich Ashworth. This Sunday, the team travel to play Reading, aiming to do the double over the Berkshire-based side.
Returning to Riviera Division One and Ashmoor men’s 3rd team were on fire in Torquay as they earned a 5-0 victory over Torbay HC.
Leo Thame scored four of the goals with 13-year-old Harry Easthorpe notching the other in a too-hot-to-handle performance.
Ashmoor's combined youth and experience blended to make a perfect combination of speed and resilience - it was great to watch and almost impossible to beat!
Joint players of the match were Gareth Després in midfield and striker Leo Thame his goals.
This weekend the team have a tough challenge when they host Teign 1st team.
Lastly, in Riviera Division 2, Ashmoor men’s 4th team earned a creditable draw with league leaders Chard 3rd XI in a highly entertaining game.
It may have ended goalless but captain James Bromfield went close when his first-half effort came back off of the post.
Meanwhile, in goal, Alex Troake made some super saves to earn the player of the match plaudits. A visit to West Dorset 2nd XI comes next.