Hockey: Kirkby Lonsdale Men’s Firsts 4 - 1 Rochdale Men’s Firsts

Andrew Borritt - Rochdale Men’s Hockey Firsts

Rochdale Men’s Firsts faced a tough journey to Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday (23 March), and with a lack of key players due to work commitments, there was a return to the fold for George Rogers.

With the lack of forward options, it was left to the experienced talisman Mark Eden to lead Rochdale’s front line, but Kirkby's abundance of pace upfront caused numerous problems for the Rochdale defence and they found themselves three nil down in a short period of time.

A big call was then made to change things around moving Eden to the back in place of Danny Ramsbottom.

A stark difference was noticed as the forwards began to work well with the ball being held up and excellent link up play and the defence looking much more solid, with Eden and Andrew Borritt having the better of the Kirkby forwards.

Danny Bowe was working hard and causing problems for Kirkby down the Rochdale right linking well with Andy Meanock who was also helping the younger players with his constant advice and encouragement.

Rochdale were guilty of missing some well worked chances and the Kirkby back line were struggling with Rochdale’s pace and trickery. The highlight of the game being a tomahawk by Ramsbottom which the goal keeper just managed to keep out.

Rochdale managed to pull one back with Adam Massey, back from his recent travels, through a tap in from a huge Michael Waddicor strike, but despite their efforts and a hard game by all, the game ended 4-1 to Kirkby.

A special mention must go to Luke Rosebury and Adam Massey who worked tirelessly all game and with a full-strength side next week at South Lakes Rochdale should hopefully be back to winning ways.

The Flying Horse Man of the match was jointly awarded to Andrew Borritt and Adam Massey.