John Cleighton-Hills Round-up

BASINGSTOKE,UK – John Cleighton-Hills Memorial Cup is quickly progressing to half way point to the top teams. At the very top of the tables the only change has been that of Swindon and Chelmsford swapping places in the cup. Chelmsford is currently the top team with a game in hand over Swindon. However, this weekend should see one of the hardest fought matches in the competition this season when Chelmsford and Swindon meet for the first time. Both undefeated so far, with Swindon coming out with a narrow 2-1 win over Solihull Wolves and a 7-2 win over the Solent Scorpions this past weekend.
 

Chelmsford, meanwhile carried on its campaign with dominating wins over Cardiff Bay Lightning (25-1) and Bristol Mad Dogs (18-3). In a competition that might be decided upon goal difference, Chelmsford is doing its best to make sure it has a comfortable edge with a goal difference of 67, all after six games. Don Cherry might say something about hockey Gods, but it looks like Chelmsford has decided that the silverware belongs at Riverside this season.
 
The mid table is forming quite interesting as Peterborough Eagles have solidified their position at third with a win over Basingstoke in its lone match of the weekend. The Cougars travelled up to Peterborough to come away with a 14-4 loss. So far, the Cougars are yet to register a point in this years Cup.
 
Hanging on to the last play-off spot for the moment is the Solent and Gosport Scorpions side. The Scorpions have been the surprise of the season so far as it has not been blown out by a single team this season and the biggest loss has so far been to Swindon in the 7-2 defeat. The Gosport Arena is a difficult rink to play at to begin with, but with an on-form Scorpion’s side, it will be extra difficult to walk away with points.
 
Breathing down Scorpions’ neck is the Solihull Wolves. Sparking some early controversy and drawing a few suspensions in its first few outings, the Wolves have won two of their five games so far and are tied for points with the Scorpions, but trail on goal difference.
 
After an encouraging start to the season the Cardiff Bay Lightning side has ran into the league behemoths and suffered some heavy defeats, as well as playing a few close games, but coming out on the losing side. Despite winning only one game out of six, don’t count out the Welsh boys just yet.
 
At the bottom of the table, Bristol Mad Dogs and Basingstoke Cougars are looking to break their losing streaks in the coming matches. Bristol and Basingstoke are meeting for the first time over the weekend to decide which of the two sides is going to end their losing skids. Both teams are evenly matched so it will surely be an interesting game of hockey in the Mad Dogs’ den.  
 
For more information and full statistics, visit: http://summercup.drover.ca/
Contact the author Janne.Virtanen@Prohockeynews.com