Whalsay close in on New Revolution at top of indoor hockey league

Whalsay defeated Hurricanes 3-1 in the only indoor hockey game played at the weekend and are now level at the top of the league with New Revolution. Whalsay were awarded a win over Reckless, Hurricanes likewise against Crusaders, while Reckless and Crusaders shared the points.

Whalsay v Reckless

Whalsay were awarded the points.

Crusaders v Hurricanes

Hurricanes were awarded the points.

Hurricanes 1, Whalsay 3

With Crusaders running scared that they would reap the whirlwind from the Hurricanes after last week’s footgate scandal, Hurricanes were three points to the good before play even begun.

The only game to be contested on the night was between the Hurricanes and Whalsay with the islanders looking for an important win to keep them in the title race.

The game started with Whalsay piling on the pressure and the Hurricanes taking a few minutes to find their feet. This proved costly as Whalsay’s Karl Williamson found space down the left to cut inside and slot home.

This seemed to put the wind in the Hurricanes’ sails and they started to apply some pressure of their own, closing down early and breaking up star studded Whalsay’s play.

The Hurricanes back two of Kerri Redfern and Naomi Johnson were looking solid and Kerry Burgess was providing a great link between defence and attack. This pick-up in play was to no avail for the plucky league newcomers as Josie Jamieson slotted home from a penalty corner.

The Hurricanes came out for the second half with a glint in their eyes and a spring in their step after what must have been a very inspiring team talk.

The action started with the Hurricanes pressing hard for the goal that could blow this tie wide open and it came through Bradley MacKenzie who has been the perfect foil for Robert Turnbull up front this season. Some neat play in the box between the two resulted in Mackenzie smashing a powerful drive into the bottom corner leaving George Abernethy helpless in the Whalsay goal.

The second half became a real end-to-end battle now with Lauren Anderson providing some steel in defence and Allyn Drummond’s tireless running providing a valuable outlet for the Hurricanes and they were looking like they could nick a point out of this one.

With the buzzer sounding and Whalsay having a short corner both teams knew it would be the last action of the game and there was no way back for the Hurricanes. Their disappointment was compounded by another good goal from Whalsay short corner specialist Josie Jamieson, making the final score 3-1.

The Hurricanes player of the match had to be Neil Pearson who put in another stellar performance, making some crucial saves throughout. Josie Jamieson for her two goals and threatening pace picked up the accolade for Whalsay.

Reckless v Crusaders

The teams shared the points.