Weston 5-3 St James’ Gate

St James’ Gate were the visitors to Griffeen park, as Weston continued their pre-season, before the league starts in two weeks time.  The team that took to the pitch on Saturday was a mixture of 2nds and 3rds players.  On a beautiful day for hockey, Weston started the better, and soon were 1-0 up thanks to Norman Hipwell, who fired home from a penalty corner.  Jonny Long and Darren Sherlock had opportunities to double the lead, before Sherlock got on the end of an excellent counter attack, Ross O’Connor with the assist.  2-0 up at the break, the visitors came back into it 2^nd half, scoring the next two goals, to tie the game up at 2-2.  At this stage the heat was getting to both sides, but it was Weston who seemd to find extra energy, as Ross O’Connor put the Reds back in the lead with a well taken goal.  Again, Gate came storming back, and a lightning break led to a third equaliser on the day.  After a quick defensive reshuffle, Weston finished the stronger, scoring two goals in the final five minutes.  O’Connor got his second of the game, and Jonny Long secured a well deserved victory with a fifth on the final whistle. The 2nds have another preseason game Tuesday night away to North Kildare, before travelling to St James’ Gate for the return leg of this double header next Saturday.  Training as usual for all players, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 8.30 p.m., new players always welcome.

Weston: E. Hutchin, P. Ennis, B. Gilmartin, T. Sealy, R.O’Connor, J. Long, G. Drohan, N. Hipwell, D. Sherlock, M. Benzies, D. Tucker, M. Graham, A. Sweetnam and G. Ruddock