Helensburgh Hockey Club: Defeats for first and second XI

The men's first XI travelled to take on Giffnock on Saturday, whilst the second XI were at home against Anchor.

It couldn’t have started worse for the first XI, who were held to a rare goalless draw in their last outing against Hillhead fourth at the end of October after losing their unbeaten start to the West District Division One season against Rottenrow a week previous, as they were a goal down within a minute.

Straight from the push-back, Helensburgh looked to cycle the ball around the back, but a poor pass went straight to the Giffnock striker, who happily put the ball in the back of the net.

Things did improve after that, as Helensburgh switched on. They held the ball well and moved it calmly around the pitch, with Giffnock limited to few chances.

Helensburgh were struggling to penetrate the strong Giffnock defence, however, but one such chance did make it through to Adam Carmichael, who won the away side a penalty corner. The push out by Ian Bowyer was stopped by Mark Ormsby. Gordon Black’s shot was a bit too central to beat the keeper, but the rebound fell to Carmichael, who coolly slotted it home.

Adam Carmichael scored the first (Image: Adam Findlay) The game continued with both teams vying for possession and neither one holding it for long.

Giffnock did get their noses back in front, with a well struck penalty corner of their own, but Helensburgh didn’t give up.

Another penalty corner goal came after Bowyer’s push went to Rob Heywood. His shot towards the back post was deftly touched in by the onrushing Gavin Mackenzie. The scores were tied at 2-2 at half time.

Into the second half, and Helensburgh looked the more likely to score. They held the ball well and won it back quickly when it was lost.

One such moment saw them easily score the best goal of the game with slick one touch passing and moving the ball up the pitch.

It started with an Ormsby tackle that won Burgh the ball in their own defence. His ball was dropped to Brian Kennedy, who fed it up the pitch to Black. Black played a long searching pass to Carmichael on the left side of the pitch before he slipped it down the line to Daniel Dooley. Dooley played a great ball across the Giffnock D to Mackenzie, who had no trouble putting the ball in the net.

Man of the match Gavin Mackenzie (Image: Adam Findlay) It was the first time in the match that Helensburgh had led but it didn’t last long. Helensburgh’s tired legs seem to go with little time remaining, and Giffnock got a controversial equaliser after a seemingly dangerous ball in the D was given as a penalty corner, which they duly scored.

They went on to score a fourth right before the final whistle, much to the dismay of the Helensburgh team, who had put in a lot of effort, to get nothing from the game. It finished 4-3 to Giffnock.

Helensburgh team: Mark Findlay; Harry Green; Brian Kennedy; David McGregor; Rob Heywood (c); Mark Ormsby; Daniel Dooley; Ian Bowyer; Gordon Black; Adam Carmichael (1); Gavin Mackenzie (2)(MoM); Yannick Cowey. Thanks to David O’Donnell for umpiring.

Competing in Division Three, the second XI didn’t fare any better than the first as they welcomed in-form Anchor to Hermitage Academy.

They were two goals down in the first 10 minutes, including a questionable penalty flick that was awarded early on.

It went from bad to worse for Helensburgh, as they went a player down, through a red card for violent conduct.

Captain James Steel tried to rally the team, but Anchor were lethal in front of goal.

It could have been a far worse scoreline if not for young Benji Jones in goal, but an 8-0 defeat sums up the performance overall.

Helensburgh team: Benji Jones (MoM); James Steel (c); Richard Park; Ed Hall; Paul Moore; Gordon Caulfield; Logan Hill; Eddy O’Lone; James Pettit; David Robbie, Craig Keith. Thanks to Andy Richardson for umpiring.

Meanwhile, Helensburgh third XI's game was postponed at the weekend due to a lack of available players.

Anyone interested in joining Helensburgh Hockey Club can get in touch via their socials or website.

The club is looking for anyone that would like to try hockey, whether it be playing, coaching, or umpiring.

Next week, all three teams are at home with the first XI starting things off at 10.45am, at Hermitage Academy. They take on Hillhead third XI.

The second XI follows them, with a 12.30pm push back vs Hillhead sixth XI, whilst the third XI play at Lomond School pitch at 2pm, against Dumfries third XI.