For many of our European members it’s been Finals weekend in the past week… It has been with out a doubt a Feast of Indoor Hockey!
Take a look at some of the Highlights:
The Belgian Finals:
Racing Bruxelles defeated Hockey Namur for 12-4 to win the 2016 Belgian Indoor competition at the Division d’Honneur. Hockey Namur and Racing faced each other before the playoffs in 3 matches that ended in draws however this time, Racing was victorious. In the Women’s Final White Star were beaten by Pingouin : 2-4 to take the National Title.
Full details on http://www.hockey.be/
Rohrmax Masters in Vienna:
SV Arminen claimed their third consecutive Double indoor title last weekend at the Rohrmax Masters in Vienna.
In the women’s final, Lucia Schmidt’s brace gave Arminen a 2-0 lead before the break. Opponents Verifone WAC took out their keeper early into the second half and were able to pull one back when Daria Buchta converted a penalty corner in minute 34. WAC were looking for the equalizer but Katarzyna Krasinska’s backhand shot secured a 3-1 victory for Arminen.
The men’s final turned out to be a thriller. Favourites Arminen faced fierce opposition by a determined Verifone WAC side and trailed by 1-2 at halftime. WAC were able to increase their lead to 4-1 after the break and looked confident to seal the deal. Fans in black shirts will never forget what followed in the final minutes of the match. A PC conversion by forward Michael Minar proved to be the game changer. Arminen scored eight goals in a row within the remaining twelve minutes leaving their opponents stunned and WAC supporters devastated.
Thanks to Arminen for the update!
England Super 6’s:
In a spectacular show, in front of a full house of over 4,000 loud and proud fans, East Grinstead took their 8th Indoor Title in addition to their women being Champions, so another Double National Title…
A two goal salvo from David Condon gave East Grinstead their eighth indoor title in a row after a 5-1 win over Canterbury. The Great Britain star struck a brace, as he did in the semi-final, adding to goals from Simon Faulkner, Ross Stott and Josh Coniglio. Canterbury struck back through Liam Foster but it was a case of déjà vu for the Kent side who lost out to Grinstead just as they did the previous year.
Catch up with David Condon – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdCSM-BiQP4
In the Women’s event, a brace from Malou Pheninckx handed East Grinstead women the Super 6s title in a dramatic final against Canterbury. The Dutch star struck in the first half and then in the final minute to help her side to a 3-1 win in a keenly contested clash with Canterbury.
Becky Waters, East Grinstead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qRpNpzZx18
The German Finals take place 6th / 7th February 2016 in Lübeck, just a week ahead of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships for Men (12/14 February) and the Women’s events on 19/21 February.
Photograph: SV Arminen are Double Austrian Champions!