Cannock qualify for Euro knockout stages

Oct 30 2008

Euro Hockey League Pool D

Friday: Cannock 5-4 Dinamo Kazan

With the aim of developing Club Hockey at an International level, the European Hockey Federation, in co-operation with Dutch sports marketing and media company Pro Sport, introduced the Euro Hockey League, the exciting new format that replaced the men’s European Cup competition at the start of the 2007/08 season.

Cannock have been involved since its inception and were looking to build on their exploits last season. With the top two from each group going through, it was important to get a good start against a Dinamo Kazan team that had strengthened its squad with a number of Pakistani Internationals.

It was the Russian champions however, who got off to a flying start and despite an early save by James Fair, Kazan went ahead after 5 minutes following a skilful run from a Russian forward.  It was soon 2-0 as the Russians won a penalty after another good run.  However Cannock’s displayed their fighting qualities and their captain Richard Lane deflected home a quick hit from just outside the D.  A second swiftly followed as Matt Taylor calmly guided home a neat penalty corner.

Euro Hockey League matches are played in quarters to allow for ad breaks in the television coverage and it was Kazan who restarted quickly with one of their Pakistani internationals scoring a penalty corner. Once again, Cannock dug in and a slick passing move involving Lane, Matt Plunkett and finally Gareth Andrew in front of goal who made it 3-3 at half time.

Cannock began the second half well pressurising Kazan and were unlucky to see Richard Lane’s penalty corner rebound off the post.  This time is was Kazan who fought back and they took the lead for the third time from another penalty corner.

A break for TV and then the 4th quarter saw Cannock on the offensive.  Richard Lane found the net once more after a penalty corner and then Cannock got a break when a Kazan corner was saved by James Fair and deflected off a Russian’s foot.  Cannock took full advantage and pushed forward again scoring the winner with 30 seconds to play when Will Pearce fired home a low shot.

So Cannock once again displayed their spirit and repeatedly fought back to win a thrilling match 5-4.

Sunday: Bloemendaal 5-2 Cannock

Saturday saw a dispirited Dinamo Kazan side demolished 8-1 by Dutch side Bloemendaal whose line up includes 2 of the world’s best players in Teun de Nooijer and Aussie Jamie Dwyer.  This result having guaranteed Cannock’s progression to the last 16, it was their turn to face the Dutch masters on Sunday and they took an early lead through Richard Lane’s penalty corner strike.  The first quarter saw them competing with Bloemendaal but when Teun de Nooijer fired a shot narrowly over the bar it was a sign of intent.  

Aussie star Jamie Dwyer caused chaos early in the second quarter and set up Bloemendaal’s equaliser and the Dutch forced Cannock back scoring a 2nd just before half time.

As the weather worsened, Bloemendaal turned the screw with de Nooijer and Dwyer pulling the strings, but despite conceding a third goal, Cannock refused to buckle.  

With nothing to lose, Cannock went looking for goals in the fourth quarter but it was the Dutch who took advantage scoring two more goals.  

Cannock did responded through an excellent running strike by Richard Lane capping a good weekend for the Cannock vice-captain.

So, Cannock lost their first competitive match of the season to the side many fancy to win the Euro Hockey League.  

However their young side will have learned much from the experience and have qualified once more for the knockout stages in April, the draw for which will take place in November.

Back home in the Slazenger England Hockey League, Surbiton held Reading to a draw keeping the Berkshire side 1 point in arrears while East Grinstead won convincingly to move level with Cannock on points but second on goal difference.  Cannock travel south to play Bromley & Beckenham in round 3 of the England Hockey Cup next Sunday.