Finchfield end Old Hales run (From Halesowen News)

Finchfield end Old Hales run

6:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Local Sport

OLD Halesonians Hockey Club saw their seven game winning run ended by a 4-1 defeat at Finchfield.

With promotion already assured, the result meant little and it was just as well as lethargic Hales were taken apart by the hosts.

Finchfield grabbed an early lead with a penalty corner and then doubled their lead as Hales struggled to deal with their high press tactics.

Tom Bulteel pulled a goal back early in the second half as the visitors emerged more energised than before.

But slack marking allowed Finchfield to restore their two-goal cushion and the hosts added a fourth before the final whistle.

Old Hales will look to finish the season in style when they host Warwick University this Saturday.

It was a better weekend for the second XI, who ensured their survival by following up a 6-2 win against Stratford with a 9-1 triumph over Shrewsbury.

Saturday’s win against Stratford owed much to a frantic offensive game, as both sides scored twice in the opening ten minutes.

But crucially Hales managed to get their defence organised and by half-time led 4-2, before adding two more after the break. Goals came from Tom Durnford, Chris Hardy, Graham Knight, Mark Rigby and Ashley Greaves who grabbed a brace.

Hales went into Sunday’s game with Shrewsbury knowing victory would see them safe.

They started like a train, scoring five in the first half to put the game beyond doubt and adding another four after the break. Charles Palmer was the star with a fine hat-trick, while Chris Hardy and Graham Knight grabbed two each as Hales completed a remarkable relegation escape, having been eight points from safety just weeks ago.

Things did not go so well for the thirds, who lost 6-1 to Bridgnorth.