Sunnymede stunner for Jaguars

BURY Jaguars under-11 boys' quest for national glory came to a halt this wek in the Lancashire finals of the National Mini-Hockey competition.

Having dominated in the Lancashire East round the boys went out to do battle with the East runners-up and the runners-up and champions of the West.

A slow start saw the boys dominate East rivals Tameside but fail to find the net until late in the game when a strike from Dominic Burgon saw them record a 1-0 victory.

The second match against west runners-up Farnborough Road School was a much better affair with the Bury lads on top from start to finish and cruising to a 4-0 win with goals from Burgon (2), Sam Nicholls and an absolute screamer from Andy Bull.

This set up a final championship match against West Winners Sunnymede School.

Knowing that only a win would do, with the opposition having a better goal difference, the Jaguars attacked from the start.

Slick passing and inspired wing play from Scott Evans saw the team camped on the edge of the Sunnymede "D" but the defence held and as half time approached the West team broke out and scored. This upset the rhythm of the Bury team who soon found themselves two down at half time.

The second half saw about 90 per cent possession by Bury but the Sunnymede goal led a charmed life as shots rained in.

At the back Michael Vernon was a rock against the opposition's rare forays upfield.

An injury to Nicholls saw a delay in the game and as the youngster was being treated Bury finally breached the defence. A tense finish followed but to no avail as the boys lost out 1-2.

All six Jaguars teams (boys and girls u-11,u-13 & u-15) turn their attention now to the run in to the Greater Manchester Youth Games where hopes of medals are high after such a good season.

Anyone who would like to join this friendly and successful club is welcome to attend training at Goshen Sports Centre, Friday evenings 4.30pm-7pm or to contact the chairman on 0161-761 3889 or Bury Sports Development Unit.