Hockey - Wilton

Wilton played some outstanding hockey in this fixture, which could only be described as "champagne hockey" by Wilton's stand in skipper and man of the match Mark Whitworth.

Wilton enjoyed a bubbly start and it didn't take long before Dom Binks finished well from the edge of the area, after good build up play from Scott Morton.

Tynedale refused to lay down and hit back in lucky fashion as the ball bobbled in past Wilton's young stand in keeper Shaun Wallace who was caught flatfooted after an initial outstretched save. It was Wilton though who went in at half time with the lead as John Tombling restored it with a great strike.

In the second half Wilton's chances came pouring in. John Tombling extended his scoring with a second half trio taking his goal tally to four, one of which was a penalty flick. Scott Morton grabbed another, taking the final score to 6-1.

On Sunday Wilton the Teessiders played hosts to Durham Uni 4th. Wilton carried on their fine form from the day before by playing the students of the park. The game was delayed by half an hour as the students got lost some were between their digs and the pub! This however made Wilton even more determined to go out there and win, and with pre-match entertainment form Wilton keeper Shawn Wallace (who fell flat on his face), their spirits were high.

Wilton took advantage of the University lack of organisation, and could have been two up in the first five minutes, it wasn't long however before Scott Morton tapped home from one yard out after John Tombling's shot was saved, Wilton went in at the break two up with John Tombling flicking the ball home.

The second half was pretty much the same from Wilton, and it didn't take long before Dom Binks made it three. Wilton were helped as the students were reduced to ten men when one of their players decided to show off his karate skills on Wilton's returning captain Peter Elgey. Three soon became four When John Tombling scored again, and Peter Brewer decided he wanted a piece of the action when he made it five from a penalty corner. The students did grab a consolation goal when they slotted home from a penalty corner but this did not spoil Wilton's superb winning weekend.

Wilton 2nd faced top of the table Guisborough 1st in a close fought tie at the Southlands Centre. G'boro wound themselves up into frenzy early in the game and they were unable to play the hockey they had obviously been enjoying because they were too busy arguing amongst themselves and with the umpires! Their frustration was apparent when after a goalless first half, Wilton's tricky striker Alex Harrison was impeded in the act of shooting and was awarded a penalty stroke which Bob Leason fired home. Plucky midfield work by Michael Broadway who is making an excellent transition into the side and persistent running up front by Alex Harrison earned them a share of the man of the match points, but even this was not enough to secure the win as G'boro found the net in the final moments of the game grabbing a point! Wilton although disappointed at not hanging on to the win will be happy to have taken a point from the league leaders.

Wilton 3rd were at home to Richmond in division four, and from the offset, they looked as if they could upset the visitors. Excellent work by Phil Cook at the head of the attack and good supporting play by Michael Barclay and man of the match Ian Bates in midfield was not enough to penetrate the experienced Richmond defence. Wilton went all out attack and were caught on the break midway through the first half, Richmond converted and then scored another in quick succession to dampen Wilton's enthusiasm. The second half was much the same and Richmond scored another two to take the final score to 4-0.

Wilton ladies were up against a tough looking Bishop Auckland side who for the first ten minutes looked to have already got the game sewn up! Wilton though withstood the pressure and eventually settled into their own game. Wilton quickly turned defence into attack and Bishop Auckland crumbled, by half-time it was 6-0 to Wilton. This was the result of some lovely passing moves between the midfield and forwards, using the full width of the pitch.

Wilton came out strong again in the second half and had the majority of play with some good sweeping moves up the pitch rewarded with another goal midway through the half. Solid defending kept out the opposition who by this time looked as if they had already gone home! An all round excellent team performance by Wilton led to a final score of 7-0. Player of the match was Christine Blake.