Weston completed the division two title in some style as they raced into a 4-0 half-time lead, showing few lingering nerves on a major weekend for the club. Simon Pearson swept in an impressive opening goal for an early lead before Enda Tucker dragged home a penalty corner.
Vikram Singh, though, stole the show with two excellent strikes, the first coming from a blistering run, drawing James Murtagh and flicking over the goalkeeper.
His second owed more to power, rocketing home a first time shot into the roof of the net for his side’s fourth. Murtagh pulled off a series of fine saves as the Lucan side were in the mood to mark the occasion in high spirits.
Phil Barron added the fifth in the second half with another drag-flick while Simon Walsh spent two periods in the sin-bin for dissent but Ian Martin did pull one back for Suttonians as they enjoyed a better second half.
For Weston, though, it was a glorious end to a season which began back in the autumn with a more extensive pre-season than usual, under-going serious endurance work in the Phoenix Park. The additions of Singh, Tucker, Brian Scully and, of course, Alan Browne added extra steel while the smart heads like Dean Maguire and Shane O’Hare helped bring on the young charges like Barron and Pearson to secure promotion.
For Suttonians, a second half of the season affected by injury and unavailability saw their title challenge falter but their young panel could well challenge for what form of promotion exists next term.
Avoca 4 (Scott Wilkie, Enda Gallanagh, Stephen Brownlow, Dan Grim) Bray 0
Despite a decent win at Newpark, Avoca will have to content themselves with a promotion/relegation play-off place following Weston’s win. Scott Wilkie and Enda Gallanagh netted first half goals before Stephen Brownlow scored a drag-flick and Dan Grim also got on the mark for a comfortable win.
Gallanagh (not retreating five metres) was yellow carded as were Bray’s Paul McAndrew and John Egan in the second half. The Blackrock side now face Railway Union in the play-off, currently set to be played in ALSAA.
* For more photos from Weston's league win, click here
5 comments:
Great day for Weston, delighted for everyone involved especially the people who have been plugging away for years.
Congrats to one and all at Weston - a great day out in the sunshine in Sutton. Good to see the lads win it for themselves and not rely on results elsewhere. Lets make it a double with the Junior Cup tommorow. Lukey - you know your always welcome back in Lucan anytime - theres plenty of room on our 2nd X1!!
well done weston. when we read the blog at the beginning of the season, they had clearly decided that changes were about. Those changes have obviously paid off. It isn't a surprise to me considering the players they brought in. What is a surprise is the extent of the changes. Well done to weston mgmt and player coach.
Fair play lads, best of luck next season from the Badgers.
Well done Weston. And the very best of luck for next season up there with the big boys of Division 1. You never know we might just be up there with you.
Ian Wilkie
Avoca Hockey Club
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