Old Georgians secured a European men’s hockey spot for next season on Saturday, as they held off a Hampstead & Westminster side whose changing room gameplans came a cropper.
OGs beat H&W 2-1 before overcoming Holcombe on Sunday to remain unbeaten in the league, secure top place at the end of this phase and continue their merry march towards successive league titles.
H&W had attempted to get under the skin of OGs’ goalkeeper George Pinner and claimed that the Surrey side would “go at umpires and us” after their tactics were left in the away dressing room.
The visitors’ white board was shared on social media by the Old Georgians’ supporters group and was mocked for their some of their foul language. “Maybe wipe the white board before you leave next time you use a public changing room,” wrote The Firm.
Sam Ward netted a double in the 2-0 as the club also raised over £7,000 for breast cancer in their Pink Day.
On Sunday, Ward was also hand to score in their 3-0 victory over Holcombe.
Nearest challengers Surbiton also racked up a double header double against London rivals, a 2-1 win over Wimbledon followed up by a 2-0 win over H&W.
In the Lower 6, Beeston, Oxted and East Grinstead on the final day of this phase next Sunday to finish in the top two. Beeston, who have 20 points, head to East Grinstead, with the winner guaranteed a berth in the Premier Division top 8 finals.
In the Vitality Women’s Premier Division, Surbiton also secured themselves top slot ahead of the top 8 finals.
The current champions beat Clifton Robinsons 2-1 on the road, before beating Beeston 4-1. Sophie Hamilton, Leah Wilkinson, Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin all scored after the visitors had taken the lead.
In the Lower 6, it will be a nervy final day with four clubs chasing two spots available for the top 8 league.
University of Nottingham, Loughborough Students, University of Birmingham and Reading are all in the mix. Holcombe’s two home double header defeats put them out of the race.
The match score in the Saturday game was 2-1
As someone new to hockey, this is just baffling….. Please can you clarify – Are OG men and Surbiton women the 2023 league champions? All this talk about Phase 2 winners etc etc is so bizarre from the outside