Mixed results for Reading's hockey teams on opening weekend
Sportsdesk • Published 22 Sep 2011 09:27
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Richard Mantell scored twice for Reading in their season opener.
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READING Hockey Club's teams started their respective seasons with mixed results last weekend.
The men made the long trip to Exeter University on the opening day and were stunned 3-2 by the newly promoted side.
Reading took the lead through a Richard Mantell short corner in the first-half but Exeter capitalised on two defensive lapses to turn the game in their favour at half time.
The visitors took the game to Exeter after the interval, only to be caught out for a third time on the break.
Richard Mantell pulled a goal back from another penalty corner but Reading couldn't find an equaliser in the final stages of the match.
Reading ladies, on the other hand, came away from their tough trip to Canterbury with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Rebecca Halle and Meredith Bone.
Both squads were without a few England players, still resting after a long summer of hockey, and the first-half featured only a handful of opportunities.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock but but Sarah Ellis made a superb save one-on-one against Charlotte Craddock.
Following some strong words from coach Simon Letchford during half-time, Reading started to dominate and took the lead seven minutes into the second half.
After a quick free hit, the ball entered the circle on the left and Halle was at the post to open the scoring from a pass from Emma Thomas.
Halfway through the period Reading won a penalty corner and the rebound was scored quickly dispatched by Meredith Bone.
Canterbury had chances to reduce the deficit in the final few minutes but Reading defended bravely to secure victory.
Reading ladies will be looking for a second win when they host Slough at 12.30pm on Sunday, while the men take on defending champions Beeston at 2.30pm at Sonning Lane.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 22 Sep 11
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