ELY TAKE TWO NATIONAL TITLES

Ely played in four categories at the National Roller Hockey Championships. A clash with the world cup final reduced entries but nevertheless some of the top clubs were present.
 
All the teams played well but it was the ladies and under 15s who came away with the titles although the under 13s lost our on goal difference.
 
 The ladies was a straight 2 way battle with Bury St Edmunds. Ely looking for revenge from last weeks Eastern Counties final started well but fell behind from a cruel deflected own goal. Bury then doubled the score from a goal mouth scramble. Ely continued to battle hard and were rewarded when Heather Dunnand converted a superb flick shot. Into the second half Ely started to look the better team having much more pace. They soon found the equaliser from Hannah Barrow. Ely seemed to have more energy as the game neared the end and when Barrow scored her second it was all about defence with Steph Collier making several interceptions. Ely held out to take the title for the second year in a row.
 
The under 15s was also a straight battle against Herne Bay United who having reached the National Cup final were still on for the double. However it was Ely that looked more organised with their three older players in particular dominating the game. All three got on the score sheet with Max Dunnand bagging a hat trick, Simon Thompson 2 and Hannah Barrow one in a comfortable 6 -2 win.
 
 The under 13s was the most exciting category with Ely taking on Eastern Counties champions Bury and Southern Champions Herne Bay United. Ely got off to a fantastic start with Heather Dunnand flicking in from close range. The lead was then extended by Jordan Chambers only for Bury to get one back. Jake Kendal soon extended the lead again. Excellent late defending was required and Ely hung on for the deserved 3 -2 win.
 
In the other match against Herne Bay again Ely took the lead. However this time they couldn’t make it tell and despite several chances ended up losing 3 – 1. In the other match Bury beat the Kent side 7 – 4 which was enough to give them the title on goal difference with Ely missing the runners up spot on goals scored.
 
In the under 17s Ely were always going to find champions Bury a handful but ended with a respectable 10 – 5 loss.