Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club on a Roll (From The Northern Echo)

Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club on a Roll

Middlesbrough Roller Club’s Under 13s and Under 15s were in action this weekend which saw them put their skills to the test against the best of the best from the Northern Regional league. Middlesbrough’s Under 13 team were up first and although facing league leaders Spen Valley Flyers they were hoping to push their home advantage and take all three points.

MRHC Under 13

Middlesbrough started brightly taking control and went straight onto the attack with Dan Miller scoring Middlesbrough’s first goal within 90 seconds, quickly followed by a second in the fourth minute. Boro were elated but Spen Valley now more determined than ever, grabbed the ball and took it past the Middlesbrough rear guard scoring their first goal making it 2-1. Despite excellent defending by Shannon Cox, Spen Valley then went on to the offensive but could not get past our magnificent sub goalie Dan Hughff. Unfortunately Jack Richards, our regular goal keeper, missed the match due to an injury received earlier in the day.

After a half time team talk from manager Ray Stobbs, Middlesbrough went out in the second half guns blazing. Luke Pickering took control of the game and charged forward, steering the ball behind the net to try and catch Spen Valley off guard, the ball hit the post and went back into play. Harry Pickering sprinted into action and immediately seized an opportunity to successfully tackle one of Spen Valley players and slammed home Middlesbrough’s third goal. Keeping up the pressure Chris Stobbs made some great passes between the Middlesbrough players before finally passing to Harry who once again put the ball in the back of the net making the final score 4 -1 to Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough’s next big test came in the Under 15s against non-other than Spen Valley Flyers once again. Middlesbrough took the initiative from the start and with some excellent passing between Chloe Stevenson and Jonny Williams before Chloe thumped the ball into the back of the net. Spen Valley then saw a chink in Middlesbrough’s defense and came back to equalise. With the score now at 1-1, Jamie Campbell quickly sprinted up the outside beating all the Spen Valley players before sending the ball across the rink to Chloe who had another successful shot at goal. Spen Valley reacted quickly continually attacking goalie Dan Hughff before slipping one past him taking the score to 2-2.

Not pleased at this Middlesbrough’s Dan Stobbs upped his game and stormed Spen Valley’s defense passing to the unmarked Jonny Williams who tipped the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-2. Spen Valley once again equalized and as time was running out a last minute effort by Middlesbrough’s saw Chloe once again put the ball into the top corner of the net scoring a hat trick. This was a very close game but excellent team work from Middlesbrough gave them the edge they needed to win the match.

MRHC Under 15

All in all the whole day was a success enjoyed by everyone who attended. Middlesbrough Roller Hockey club train at a the Rainbow Leisure Centre every Friday night from 7pm to 8pm and everyone of any age or ability can come along to experience this fun and exciting sport. More information is available at http://www.boro-rhc.net/