Yobbos in front as new format wins great praise

MOSGROVE'S Yobbos hold a slender, one-point lead after the first round of matches in the revamped Investec Knockout. A round-robin knockout seemed a contradiction in terms, but the new format was universally acclaimed as a success.

Four teams played each other once during the day. They will do the same on week two of the competition, after which the top two will contest the final.

The skill-level was high throughout the day, aided by condensed, 20min.-each way matches.

There was no time to sit back and relax, goals were like gold-dust and there was no let up in passion.

Some of that was directed towards the umpires - the only unwelcome aspect of the day, especially given that Ray Bushell, Jeff Fisher, Geoff Ogier and Mike Kinder covered all the matches between them.

'It's been a great day. The teams have taken it seriously, they have their strongest sides out and they've played hard,' said Guernsey Hockey Association president Ray Bushell.

'There have been some interesting results and everyone's said they've enjoyed it. People have been around the clubhouse all day; it's been a a mini Easter Festival.'

Yobbos were happiest after a win and two draws.

They led against Clubhouse Unwantables, courtesy of a penalty stroke from Tony Veillard, the island midfielder fooling everyone by placing the ball to the keeper's left, the opposite from his usual strike. However, there was a controversial equaliser from Andy Alford: his short-corner strike looked high as it hit keeper Stuart Malley before finding the net. Umpire Ogier consulted fellow official Bushell, allowed the goal and waved away the protests.

Investec Colombians made light work of Tigers, claiming a 3-0 victory.

Jamie Chambers diverted in the first after Jason Robilliard had saved TJ Ozanne's drag-flick.

Chris Gill applied the finishing touch from almost a yard after Tim Creasey had forged the opening and Tristan Cairns hit the third following a slick team move.

But all that good work was undone in the next match as Yobbos shocked the yellows.

Jon Beck touched in from close range after Colin Levine's quick free-hit from the top of the D found a gaping hole in the opposition defence.

Unwantables and Tigers then battled out a 1-1 draw, Alford's second goal of the game cancelled out by Mark Jefferies' strike from a Tigers short corner.

Unwantables then took a two-goal lead against a clumsy Colombians side that made too many mistakes.

Jordan Smith and then Adie Peacegood from the spot gave UHC a deserved lead.

Colombians fought back and goals from Peter Carey and Cairns gave them a share of the points.

And so to the final game of the day, Yobbos v. Tigers.

The dark blues led through a Jefferies short corner strike, but Yobbos levelled with the goal of the day.

Nick Mahy received the ball just over halfway, his dummy leaving Jan Collins for dead.

Three more defenders were then given the run-around before a precise pass gave Richard Veillard the opportunity to slam home and round off a superb effort.