Hockey

They put on an outstanding performance, with superb effort and work-rate across all areas of the pitch. Man of the match John Tombling netted a brace to extend his impressive season long scoring rate.

Fellow striker Scott Morton also stepped up to convert, as did midfield starlet Mark Whitworth taking the score to 4-0. Up step full back Paul Duffy, who has never scored in his hockey playing career, an in house wager with the opposite full back spurred Duffy to gallop forward to hammer home an in impressive strike from a penalty corner to take the score to 5-0.

An excellent performance from Wilton was just not enough as Northumbria St Georges also won at the top just pipping the Teessiders to the title on goal difference.

Wilton 2nd fielded a weakened side away to Hartlepool 1st, without a trio of senior players, who were away on Holiday! Wilton drafted in young Ian Bates and played without any subs in hot, sticky conditions. Young Bates started well and certainly did nothing to tarnish his reputation as one of the most improved and most promising youngsters at the club.

Johnny Couhig, who has played as a striker for Wilton was drafted into the defensive line and despite his best efforts and those of young keeper Shaun Wallace, Wilton found themselves behind to a well worked penalty corner, 'pool extended their lead shortly afterwards taking the score to 2-0 at half time.

Wilton came out in the second half a little stronger and it was Michael Broadway, who span into the scoring circle before cheekily dinking the ball between his legs and the keepers to bring Wilton back in it. Pool found a quick reply but this did not dampen Wilton attacking spirit, some great inter-play between forwards Gray and Harrison allowed Man of the match Harrison to coolly slot home at the far post bringing Wilton closer again.

They continued to attack leaving big holes in the midfield and defence and Hartlepool rounded off the scoring with a good piece of counter attacking, at this teams both teams were sapped of energy and were more than happy to hear the final whistle. Wilton 2nd have one more game remaining and will be hoping to achieve a top half finish if they win at home to Billingham next week.

Wilton 3rd faced a tough test away to Norton 3rd who only needed a draw to ensure the 4th division championship. Norton found themselves 2-0 up before Wilton had seemed to wake up! Paul Oswell returned to the side after a 7 year lay off through work commitments and found it difficult coping with the change of pace of the game. Youngsters Barclay and Cook were on hand to do his running for him and it was this pairing who set up a glaring opportunity for Paul Wicks to slot the ball under the keeper for Wilton to bring the score to 3-1 shortly after Norton had extended their lead through a pile driving penalty corner. Wilton continued to press but it was Norton who had the final say and extended their goal tally to 4. Wilton 3rd will be happy that they have avoided the drop after only being promoted last time around, hopefully they can use this season as a platform to success next year!