HASLEMERE 4, LUDLOW 2

HASLEMERE, the Hants/Surrey Regional 2 champions, rounded off the most successful season in the club’s history by winning the England Hockey Vase for a second time.

The superb arena of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London brought the best out of the Blues who ultimately outclassed Ludlow of the West Midlands Premier League.

Ace marksman Andy Powell scored twice and Nic Cope and Tristan Conoley got one apiece as Haslemere turned their attacking play into tangible rewards.

But Ludlow played their part in a richly entertaining encounter and the sides traded goals until Haslemere’s killer instinct put them out of sight and ensured they lifted the trophy for a second time, having beaten Mill Hill 2-0 in the 2002 final.

The game began at a frantic pace and Cope soon brought a fine diving save from David Hughes. But Ludlow were also stamping their mark on the game and a cracking goal from James Pratt stunned Haslemere in the third minute.

Hughes preserved the lead with a superb double save to keep out Conoley and then to scoop the ball to safety with his glove. At the other end, Nick Short denied Ludlow a second goal, rushing from his circle to sweep clear with his stick.

Cope then set up Powell, but Hughes made another miraculous stop.

However, there was nothing the Ludlow keeper could do on 19 minutes when Haslemere were awarded a penalty flick and Powell converted clinically.

The action got even hotter at the start of the second half. Cope hit the post and, soon after, Hughes pushed a shot from the same player onto the post.

But Cope was not to be denied and a slick backhand shot beat Hughes to put the Blues in front.

Just past the hour-mark, Pratt levelled things up at 2-2 with his second goal of the match, but Ludlow’s joy was short-lived as Conoley restored the lead almost immediately.

Barely a minute later, Powell finished off a flowing move to score the fourth and Haslemere had the Vase in the bag.

“That was unbelievable – a total rollercoaster,” said Haslemere skipper Rob Dilworth. “We have a fantastic team and great team spirit. We were worried when they took an early lead, but our keeper made some class saves and our talent up front pulled it off for us.

“This is a fantastic club and, looking at all the fans, it has been a great day for Haslemere.