BOOTS 0, HASLEMERE 3

HASLEMERE, already the Hants/Surrey Regional 2 champions, clinched their place in the England Hockey Vase final by beating Nottingham side Boots 3-0 in their semi-final.

It will be Haslemere’s first national final in 14 years, since they beat Mill Hill 2-0 at Milton Keynes to win the Vase in the 2001-02 season.

The final will be played at Lee Valley & Tennis Centre, situated on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, on Sunday, May 1. Haslemere will meet West Midlands Premier side Ludlow who defeated Mid-Sussex 3-2 in the other semi-final.

Haslemere looked to have a tough task on their hands after their long journey to Nottingham, Boots having won the East Midlands Premier League title with two games to spare.

However, Boots were unable to handle the extra pace of the Surrey team.

The first half was goalless, but Haslemere, fielding a potent mix of first and second-team players, were looking a real threat and were soon celebrating the first goal on the restart. Having won a short corner for his team, Graham Stopher put the Blues ahead after working a neat routine with Grant Roberts.

Haslemere’s relentless pressure ended with Charlie Millsom being fouled and Andy Powell slotted the penalty into the top left corner to make it 2-0.

Inside the last ten minutes, another elusive run by Tristan Conoley forced another short corner and Elliott Hall drag-flicked the ball into the net for the third and final goal.

Boots had no luck at the other end, with Nick Short pulling off several superb saves.

* Haslemere drew 2-2 with Camberley & Farnborough in their penultimate league match.

* Haslemere 2nd XI, the Hampshire 2 champions, beat Bournemouth III 2-1 at Woolmer Hill.

* Haslemere Ladies closed their Hampshire Division One season with a local derby against Aldershot & Farnham. Honours were shared in a 2-2 draw.