Men’s hockey: Rhyl kick off season with an away triumph

North West Men’s League Division 5 West (South)

Eirias 3s 0

Rhyl & District Hockey Club Mens 2 (Dougie Lonsdale, Andy Ollies)

MOTM
Edd Jones

Rhyl Mens made the short journey away to newly-promoted Eirias 3s and picked up a pleasing victory.

It’s always a close one against the Colwyn Bay side. The teams were fortunate with the weather although it was a bit warmer than expected.

The first half was a close encounter, Rhyl having some good chances but unable to put them away. Eirias’ keeper was the busier of the two and pulled off some fine reflex saves to keep his team in it.

The opposition had a few chances but Rhyl grew into the game.

A tactical personnel change and the deadlock was broken when Wayne Ricketts intercepted a ball high up the opposition’s half and squared it with Andy Ollies getting on the end of it with a nicely-taken goal.

Eirias had a couple of chances but Rhyl scored again, with Dougie Lonsdale slotting a nice reverse shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.

A bit of squeeky bum time near the end of the match as Rhyl were on the receiving end of two green cards putting them down to 9 men. but the lads left it all on the pitch and dug deep to keep the clean sheet.

A well contested game played in good spirits.

• Rhyl Mens are actively recruiting new players. Anyone interested please get in touch with Rhyl & District Hockey Club which can be found on Facebook or Instagram. Welcome to all players of all ages and abilities, from experienced players to those who’ve never picked up a stick before. This is open to all ages too. There are a lot of transferable skills if you already play another sport and quicker to pick up than you might think. Training is on Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm at Rhyl High Astro.