Island men's hockey second XI lose 2-1 to Bowdon in torrential rain

The Isle of Man national men’s hockey second XI were beaten 2-1 by Bowdon thirds on Saturday 24 October in an EH Championships Men’s Tier Three Vase match at the NSC, according to Isle of Man Today Sport.

The report said it was the only local hockey game played over the weekend, with flooding wiping out the rest of the island’s programme. The NSC’s all-weather surface kept the tie on, though the rain did not let up for the whole match. Bowdon had flown in on an early flight from Manchester.

The visitors went ahead from a short corner, converted with a drag flick. The island side hit back almost at once: debutant Caleb Blakemore scored his first goal for the team after a move down the left involving Steven Ronan, Elliot Reid and Alfie Melling. It was 1-1 at half-time.

Bowdon, described in the report as a side that trains and plays together every week, controlled the third quarter. Goalkeeper Harry Woods saved a penalty flick but was eventually beaten from close range.

The island pushed forward in the final quarter. Reid’s late shot hit the inside of the post and came back out to be cleared. Woods was named the Isle of Man’s player of the match.