Hockey: Rochdale U15s go top of the league

Rochdale’s player of the day went to Tom Kershaw for his outstanding goal contribution

Rochdale Under 15s went top of the league after winning four out of five macthes played in the Greater Manchester Tournament on Sunday.

The tournament is played on a round robin basis over five months and after the first round Rochdale were sitting in second place.

Game one was against Stockport Boys A and Rochdale played a solid game with very little for Sam Jackson in goal to do. Although they had most of the possession, Rochdale were finding it hard to break Stockport down and with less than three minutes left, a great run from Ibrahim Omar to the top of D, drew the Stockport defence and a neat ball slipped to Tom Kershaw at the back post meant Rochdale took the victory 1-0.

Game two saw them come up against Timperley who were the current league leaders and both teams were evenly matched. However, Rochdale had the bit between their teeth and continuely drove at the Timperley defence, knowing the importance of a win. Doubling his tally, Tom Kershaw again scored the winning goal with a great top D shot that left the Timperley keeper with no chance.

Game three brought Stockport Boys B team and the first of three games that Rochdale had to play back-to-back. Confidence was riding high and with goals from Rijik Malakar, Sam Wilkinson, Ibrahim Omar and three from Tom Kershaw, one of which was a reverse strike from the top D, saw Rochdale run out 6-0 winners.

Game four was against Didsbury and although they were the bottom of the league they gave Rochdale a good game. However, as the clock ran down their enthusiasm ran out and Rochdale began to dominate. Goals came from Jake Spanswick and Peter Ransome who had both been extremely strong in defence all day and two more for Tom Kershaw taking him to seven for the day and a 4-0 victory for Rochdale.

The last game of the day was against Bowden, probably Rochdale's toughest test. Rochdale held their own for two thirds of the game, but with legs tiring and no substitutes it was always going to be a tough task. With five minutes left Bowden scored, Sam Jackson made a great save but the Bowden attack reacted quickest and an easy tap gave them the lead. Rochdale rallied but with less than a minute on the clock an almost repeat situation gave Bowden a 2-0 victory.

Rochdale had done enough though and moved to top of the league. With three more fixtures to go between now and March its within their own hands to take this title.