BromBeck 3 v 2 Whitchurch

National England South Hockey League

BROMLEY and Beckenham (BromBeck) Hockey Club opened their debut season in the National England South Hockey League with a hard-fought win over Whitchurch.

This is BromBeck's second season in existence following the merger of Bromley HC and Beckenham HC in June last year.

BromBeck started strongly against Whitchurch forcing a short-corner almost directly from the push back but Graham Butler's effort was well saved.

Against the run of play Whitchurch took the lead thanks to a deflected goal which gave David Taylor in the BromBeck goal no chance.

But the hosts responded well with the trio of Andrew Page, Danny Holmes and Nick Bluett causing significant problems for the Welsh side's defence.

A strong attack down the right-hand side ended in Antony Pike being brought down as he rounded the keeper and Page confidently despatched the resultant penalty.

Before the interval BromBeck took the lead - Howes finishing a simple chance from a cross from Bluett.

In the second half BromBeck again started the better with good defensive work from newcomers Craig Ritani and Rob Smith.

But, 10 minutes in, Whitchurch were level following a short corner.

It brought an immediate response from BromBeck who struck back directly from the push-back.

A well-worked move involving Will Bishop, Holmes and Bluett was well finished by Graham Butler.

BromBeck continued to dominate with numerous chance being created - however due to a combination of poor finishing and good saves from the Whitchurch keeper they could not extend the lead.

It was a tense finish after BromBeck went down to 10 men for five minutes following the suspension of Howes for a series of challenges.

However BromBeck hung on to collect the three points and now face a tough away trip to Exeter.

The club, which is based on Foxgrove Road, Beckenham, is sponsored by Patricks Bar in Beckenham.

They field 17 senior sides every weekend and have more than 400 junior members making them the second largest club in the country.

For more information, visit brombeckhc.co.uk