For the second consecutive season, Didsbury Northern Men’s 1s have reached the Lancashire Cup final and the semi-finals of the England Hockey 1st XI men’s trophy.
England Hockey 1st XI Trophy – 2016
After knocking out North 1 champions and one of the competition favourites, Ben Rhydding, in a tense penalty flicks shoot out after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the quarter-final, the Men’s 1s have reached the EH Trophy semi-final for the third time in their history. After narrowly missing out last season on making the final with a defeat away at Guernsey, they are hoping to go one better this season and reach the final at the National Hockey centre when they travel to Blackheath and OEs Men’s 1s on Sunday 20th March.
After winning 10-0 at Brigg, 5-0 at Lindum and 4-0 at home to Hampton-in-Arden in the earlier rounds before facing Ben Rhydding, confidence is high going in the semi-final clash with an amazing chance to play at the National Hockey centre just one game away. Captain Rich Hayward said, “We’re proud to continue the club’s strong recent tradition of reaching the later stages of the EH Trophy and will be looking to go one better this year by making the final for the first time. Blackheath have had a strong season and will be tough opponents, as anyone is at this stage, but we’ll be looking to use the experience we’ve gleaned from these games in recent years to see us through. It’s another great opportunity to showcase the club and we’ll be giving everything to come out on top.”
Lancashire Cup – 2016
The Lancashire cup final will follow 2 weeks later when Didsbury face Formby Men’s 1s at Blackburn Northern Hockey club on 3rd of April.
Didsbury have made it through the rounds with victories over Lancaster University (8-2), University of Liverpool (4-1) and Lancaster & Morecambe (w/o) to reach the final for the third time in four seasons.
After narrowly missing out on back to back promotions into the North Premier Division and with two pieces of silverware still up for grabs, the team are making great strides under the stewardship and guidance of player/coach and former GB international Scott Cordon, who said, “We’ve continued to make good progress as a squad this year with a number of new faces coming in at the start of the season. The big cup games ahead are testament to the work the lads have put in right through from the summer and another great opportunity to get national recognition for Didsbury.”
