Scott Neville's Hat-Trick Leads Soham RHC to a 4-0 Victory Over RHC Invicta

Soham RHC hosted RHC Invicta last night at the Ross Peers Sports Centre in another National Premier League encounter. With Invicta still in search of their first win and Soham eager to maintain their winning start, the game was filled with anticipation.

In the opening five minutes, it was Invicta who took control of the game, applying pressure on Soham and creating several promising opportunities. However, they struggled to convert these chances into goals. Soham, too, had their moments, coming close to scoring and even hitting the post.

Invicta decided to shake things up by introducing Tom Mills to their attack. Despite this change, it was Soham's main man, Scott Neville, who broke the deadlock, giving Soham a 1-0 lead as the first half came to a close.

Scott Neville In action

The second half commenced with both teams maintaining a similar tempo. Just seven minutes into the half, Scott Neville struck again, with his trademark run and finishing expertly at the back post, doubling Soham's lead to 2-0. A minute later, Soham extended their advantage to 3-0, courtesy of James Neville.

With just eight minutes remaining, Scott Neville completed his hat-trick, making it 4-0 in favour of Soham. Invicta continued to press for a breakthrough, but they couldn't find one.

In the end, the final score stood at Soham 4-0 Invicta, with Soham maintaining their strong start to the season.

Bowyer and Franks Take the Helm as England U19 Coach & Manager

Coaches from RINKit and RHC Invicta Senior team, Bowyer and Franks, have officially been named as the new England U19 roller hockey Coach & Manager. Their appointment, effective immediately, signifies a pivotal juncture in their careers.

Expressing their shared enthusiasm, Bowyer and Franks released a joint statement, saying, "Leading your country at any level is a tremendous honor, and we are fully committed to giving it our all. We're excited about the promising talent pool available to us, and the real work begins now!"

This marks Bowyer's debut as an England coach. Despite his relatively young age of 38, he brings an impressive 31-year legacy in the sport. Assisting him is Franks, aged 52, who has already secured two championships and brings a wealth of experience as a coach and mentor, both in his daily work and his own sporting achievements in motorsport. David Franks introduces a unique and enthusiastic perspective to the game of Roller Hockey.

For the past two years, this dynamic coaching duo has worked side by side at Invicta, showcasing their ability to build a strong team in the Premier League. With their combined expertise, the future looks bright for England's U19 roller hockey team.

Their appointment is accompanied by a shout-out to the other dedicated age-grade coaches and managers; here is a list of all the other age-grade coaches and managers. Well done to them all.

Weekend of Premier League Action: Goals Galore in Five Exciting Matches

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Match Report: Grimsby RHC vs Manchester RHC

This weekend marked the return of Grimsby to the Premier League, with five top-flight teams in action. In the opening match of the day, Grimsby faced off against Manchester, who had already secured a victory in their first game. Grimsby introduced a fresh, youthful lineup for this encounter.

The game started with Grimsby taking an early lead, courtesy of C. Greenwood. However, Manchester quickly responded, as D. Gordon found the back of the net just four minutes later. This equaliser appeared to ignite Manchester's offense, with I. Gaggioli and D. Gordon both adding more goals to their tally before halftime, resulting in a commanding 4-1 lead for Manchester.

As the second half started, Manchester continued to dominate proceedings, firmly establishing control over the match. The final scoreline reflected their dominance, with Manchester emerging as 12-3 victors. Coach Messenger maintained his winning streak, securing a promising start to the season for Manchester.

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Match Report: Peterborough RHC vs Soham RHC

In the second game of the day, it was Peterborough facing off against Soham. Soham made an impressive debut with three new recruits - C. Adams, M. Walker, and J. Richards - demonstrating a serious commitment to strengthening their squad during the summer.

To the surprise of many, it was Peterborough who struck first, with M. Carter finding the net. However, Soham quickly responded, with J. Neville equalising just four minutes later. Shortly before the first half ended, Soham took the lead, with M. Walker scoring on his debut for the club.

The second half began with Soham continuing their attacking prowess, adding two more goals to their tally courtesy of S. Neville and Walker, who notched his second of the match. Peterborough managed to pull one back with a goal from J. Berry, but Soham still had one more goal left in them, as Captain S. Neville scored his second.

The final scoreline stood at 5-2 in favour of Soham. With this impressive performance, many are now considering Soham as a serious contender for the title, thanks to their strong recruitment and dynamic play on the Rink.

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Match Report: Middlesbrough RHC vs Herne Bay United RH&SC

In the third game of the day, Middlesbrough clashed with Herne Bay United. United entered the match with hopes of building on their strong performance from the previous season, fielding a youthful squad. However, they faced a challenge in Middlesbrough, known for their resilient and well-organised team under Coach Fontes.

Unfortunately for Herne Bay United, this turned out to be a difficult day on the Rink. At halftime, they found themselves trailing 4-1, with Middlesbrough in the driver's seat. The second half didn't bring much respite, as Middlesbrough continued to dominate, adding five more goals to their tally.

Middlesbrough's goal scorers included M. Todd, S. Johnson, H. Pickering, and L. Pickering, with H. Pickering contributing an impressive five goals to the scoreline. Herne Bay United managed to pull one goal back, courtesy of W. Hosking.

The final scoreline reflected Middlesbrough's dominance, with a resounding 9-1 victory over Herne Bay United. It was a challenging day for HBU, but Middlesbrough's performance showcased their strength and determination on the Rink.

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Match Report: Ely & Chesterton UTD RHC vs Herne Bay RHC

In the fourth game of the day, Ely & Chesterton United took on Herne Bay, and it proved to be another challenging day for Herne Bay. At halftime, Herne Bay found themselves trailing 4-1, with Ely & Chesterton United firmly in control.

The second half didn't bring any relief for Herne Bay, as they struggled to mount a comeback while ECU continued to press forward. The match concluded with a final score of 9-2, highlighting the dominance of Ely & Chesterton United.

Goal-scorers for ECU included K. Brady, J. Bostos, M. Dunand, and H. Dunand, while Herne Bay managed to find the net through A. Cathcart and Z. Williams.

With two consecutive losses, Herne Bay faced a challenging start to their season. The next game would be crucial for them as they sought to secure a much-needed win and regain their momentum.

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Match Report: RHC Invicta vs Kings Lynn

In the fifth game of the day, fans were treated to an exciting showdown between RHC Invicta and Kings Lynn, and it certainly lived up to the anticipation. Last season, Kings Lynn had comfortably defeated Invicta 14-2, but this time, the match took a different turn.

Kings Lynn took the lead when Invicta's captain slipped on the halfway line, allowing Taylor to capitalise and score, putting Kings Lynn ahead 1-0. However, just two minutes later, Invicta was awarded a penalty, and Martindale made no mistake, converting it to level the score at 1-1.

The game continued to deliver intense action, with a 12-minute gap until the next goal, this time in favour of Invicta, as M. Albon netted a fantastic goal. But Kings Lynn quickly responded, with J. Griffin grabbing his first goal, making it 2-2. The match was fast-paced and physical, featuring two strong teams battling it out.

With just four minutes left in the first half, T. Mills found the back of the net for Invicta, giving them a 3-2 lead. However, Kings Lynn once again equalised with J. Griffin notching his second goal, bringing the score to 3-3 at halftime.

The second half kicked off with the same intensity as the first. Within two minutes, A. Franks scored for Invicta, taking them ahead 4-3. However, the reigning champions, Kings Lynn, responded with three consecutive goals, with two from J. Taylor and one from B. McCarthy, making it 6-4 in their favour.

Invicta didn't back down, and T. Mills secured his second goal of the game, narrowing the score to 6-5 in favour of Kings Lynn. But just two minutes later, J. Tucker extended Kings Lynn's lead to 7-5. Invicta fought back once more, with A. Franks scoring another goal, but it wasn't enough to overcome Kings Lynn.

In the end, the thrilling match concluded with Kings Lynn emerging victorious with a narrow margin, winning 7-6 against RHC Invicta. It was an outstanding display of skill and determination from both teams, providing an unforgettable game for the spectators.

Premier League Kicks Off with Manchester's 7-4 Thriller and Peterborough's 3-2 Victory Over Herne Bay

Match Reports Below

Manchester's Captain, Gordon, wasted no time and swiftly opened the scoring for the home team. Less than five minutes later, D'Annatassio added to the excitement by notching a second goal, giving Manchester a 2-0 lead. Middlesbrough, however, was determined to level the playing field and soon found the back of the net courtesy of Johnson. Middlesbrough's persistent efforts paid off when L. Pickering equalised, making it 2-2. As the first half progressed, the game became a bit scrappy, but with just two minutes remaining, D'Annatassio completed his brace, leaving the score at 3-2 in favour of Manchester RHC at halftime.

The second half kicked off with Middlesbrough launching another spirited offensive. Johnson showcased his skills once more by securing his second goal of the match. Unfortunately for Middlesbrough, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Manchester to capitalise, with three goals coming in quick succession – one from Darwent-Black and two from Carter. Middlesbrough did manage to pull one goal back, thanks to Czifra, but Manchester still had one more goal in them. With just 45 seconds left on the clock, Taylor found the back of the net, sealing a first-game victory for the new head coach, Dan Messenger.

In a thrilling encounter, Manchester RHC emerged victorious, 7-4, in their first game under the leadership of Dan Messenger.

2nd Game of the weekend featured a clash between Herne Bay RHC and Peterborough RHC. The match got off to a slow start, with both teams searching for opportunities. However, it was Peterborough who broke the deadlock when Hillam found the back of the net, just four minutes into the game. Herne Bay managed to level the score shortly after, with Webber scoring the equaliser. Herne Bay then took the lead with a long-range shot that deflected off a Peterborough player and ended up in the back of the net, with Salkind credited for the goal, making it 2-1 in favour of Herne Bay.

The second half commenced with both teams hungry for goals. A moment of brilliance came from Hillam, who volleyed the ball low and hard, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance to make a save. However, there was one more twist in the game, as Peterborough secured the victory with a goal from Aaltonen, sealing the final score at 3-2 in favour of Peterborough.

The 23-24 Premier League Kicks Off with Exciting Matches Ahead

The Premier League is back, and fans of roller hockey across England are gearing up for an action-packed season. The teams are eager to resume old rivalries and challenge the dominance of the reigning champions, Kings Lynn RHC.

The first match of the season is scheduled for this coming Saturday, September 30th, as rivals Manchester Roller Hockey Club and Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club face off. The match will commence at 17:15 and will be officiated by referees Bruno Sosa and Marco Mota. The venue for this clash is the Ardwick Sports Hall, located at Stockport Road, Manchester M12 4DY.

The following day, Sunday, October 1st, Herne Bay Rink Hockey Club will host Peterborough Roller Hockey Club in what is anticipated to be another thrilling game to start the season. The game is scheduled to begin at 11:15 and will be overseen by referees Arran Bowyer and Jack Thomas. Roller Hockey Hockey enthusiasts can catch the action at the Bay Sports Arena, situated on Bullockstone Road, Herne Bay CT6 7NS.

The excitement doesn't stop there, as the league promises an action-packed schedule in the weeks ahead. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars, as the Premier League offers an excellent opportunity to witness top-tier English roller hockey in their local communities. All participating teams are looking forward to the support of their fans, so make sure to head to a venue near you.

The Premier League's return is set to reignite the passion for roller hockey, and with the competition stronger than ever, fans can expect a season filled with intense matches, incredible goals, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more updates as the Premier League 2024 unfolds, and let the roller hockey excitement begin!

Amelia Thomas: Signs with RINKit Athletes and secures move to Clube Hóquei dos Carvalhos

At RINKit, our constant pursuit is to discover and nurture emerging talents. Today, we are thrilled to introduce Amelia Thomas as the latest addition to our roster of exceptional athletes. Amelia's journey in the world of Roller Hockey commenced at the tender age of 7 when she first laced up her roller skates as a member of Herne Bay United. Over the years, she honed her skills and progressed to join RHC Invicta, where her dedication and determination propelled her to the senior level, with her senior debut taking place at just 14 years old.

We firmly believe that Amelia possesses the potential to reach the top of the sport, and we are committed to standing by her every step of the way. Amelia is now embarking on an exciting new chapter in her hockey career, having signed with Clube Hóquei dos Carvalhos in Portugal this week. This remarkable opportunity signifies the beginning of a promising journey, and we have no doubt that Amelia's talent and passion will shine on an international stage.

Join us in welcoming Amelia Thomas to the RINKit Athlete family, and together, let's watch as she blazes a trail to success in the world of roller hockey

England U17 Female Team Inspires Despite Final Defeat

Tonight marked a historic moment for the young England U17 female team as they faced Portugal in a thrilling showdown. This clash came after both teams had previously battled to a 3-3 draw earlier in the competition, setting the stage for an exhilarating final. With both England and Portugal entering the match undefeated, the anticipation was palpable as someone's perfect record was destined to be broken.

Regrettably, for England, it was Portugal who emerged victorious, triumphing with a resounding 7-1 victory in the final. While the players and coaches may be disheartened by the outcome, it's important to recognize the immense joy and excitement they brought to their devoted fans. Their unwavering determination and fearlessness on the Rink have not only made their supporters proud but have also contributed significantly to elevating the profile of the Female game in England.

ENGLAND U17s

This exceptional team displayed remarkable courage, playing with determination until the very end and never giving up. Congratulations are in order from all of us at RINKit, and we encourage them to stand tall and take pride in their achievements. Until the next opportunity arises, they continue to inspire us with their dedication and passion for the sport.

England U17 Male's Triumphs Over Germany in Thrilling Battle

England's U17 male roller hockey team faced off against Germany today to determine their position in the rankings, with the winner earning the privilege to compete for 5th place tomorrow. England made a great start to the game as they surged ahead with a splendid one-two play between Hillam and Darbyshire. Darbyshire expertly slotted the ball into the net, putting England in the lead at 1-0.

The German team, displaying commendable resolve, managed to create several scoring opportunities, met with equally impressive saves from Clack in the England goal. Despite their efforts, it was Darbyshire who left an indelible mark once more, unleashing a powerful slap shot from outside the box that left the German keeper with no chance, extending England's lead to 2-0.

England continued to relentlessly bombard the German goal, but the German goalkeeper’s performance kept the English team at bay. The second half saw both teams enjoying their share of promising moments, with the Germans clawing one goal back, making the score 2-1 in favor of England.

England was then awarded a penalty opportunity, with Hillam stepping up to take the shot but failing to convert. Moments later, England earned another direct free-hit, and this time it was Darbyshire who assumed the responsibility. However, he was once again thwarted by the vigilant German goalie, squandering another chance for England to widen their lead.

As the clock ticked down and the German team adopted a more physical approach in their pursuit of goals, Sharp seized an opportunity in the box, scoring to make it 3-1 in favor of England. As Germany pressed aggressively for goals, team fouls started accumulating rapidly. England was once again granted a direct free-hit, with Sharp taking the responsibility. Unfortunately, much like the previous attempts, the German goalie came up with a crucial save.

England had ample opportunities to secure the victory long before the final buzzer, but they ultimately emerged as 3-1 winners in a roller hockey match that maintained a fast-paced and thrilling atmosphere from start to finish.

This means England will now face Switzerland for 5th - 6th place tomorrow 11:00 am