West Mids hockey round-up

Cannock are into the knockout stages of the European Hockey League after a double win in Holland this weekend.

They notched up 2-1 wins over Russian champions Dinamo Kazan and Vienna to book their slot in the last 16 after a hard fought weekend in the Hague.

They got the perfect start with a superb win over Dinamo Kazan, whose squad includes most of the Russian national team. Cannock conceded early but fought back thanks to a penalty corner from Simon Ramsden and a goal just before the break from Gareth Andrew.

The Russians pressed hard in the second half, but Cannock clung on – despite Kazan hitting the post and having a goal turned down on video replay.

And they booked their place in the knockout rounds after bouncing back from a goal behind to win 2-1 against ten-man Vienna.

Cannock fell behind early on but Gareth Andrew poached to level before the Austrians were reduced to ten men for a sliding foul on Martin Jones. Cannock took advantage with Andy West’s long-range drive to seal it.

In the Midlands Premier Bridgnorth are still searching for their second win of the season after a 1-1 draw with West Bridgford.

Lichfield are still mired in mid-table after suffering a 4-1 defeat to league leaders Harborne. James Gough hit Lichfield’s only goal.

In Midland One Walsall’s struggles continued with a 4-1 defeat against Nottingham to leave them languishing in second bottom.

Finchfield are still top of the West Midlands Premier after a thumping 5-3 win over Leamington. Justin Wilday hit an early opener for Finchfield before Leamington hit two quick goals to leave Finches reeling.

A double for Darren Holyhead restored Finchfield’s lead before Mat Stocken and Craig McGarry completed the rout.

Wolverhampton beat Warwick University 2-0 with goals from Ross Taylor and Domonic Oliver.

Wednesbury won 3-1 against Whitchurch and Kidderminster drew 2-2 with Redditch.

Other results: Wednesbury II 2 Finchfield II 1; Finchfield III 4 Solihull Blossomfield III 3; Wolverhampton IIII 2 Finchfield IIII 1

*Cannock women extended their lead at the top of National North after a comprehensive win over Ben Rhydding. A brace from Georgina Twigg and a goal from Lucy Spencerhelped Cannock to a 3-1 win that helps keep them top.
*In Midlands Division B Stourport continued their unbeaten run by clinching a 4-2 victory over Bridgnorth.
In the second half Stourport notched goals from Liz Cooke, Kerry Maughan, Fran Moss and Kerry Walker.