South Lakes Tour.   22nd-23rd September 2009

South Lakeland XI  1  v.  LX Club  2.   Played at Ulverston Leisure Centre.

For the opening game of this inaugural midweek tournament, LX found themselves against well matched opponents and the early skirmishes gave both sides time to get a feel for both the pitch and the opposition.  With Ray Jeff, Richard Clarke and Adrian Money orchestrating the LX midfield and David Read, Roger Lomas and Alan Jackson, solid in defence, LX were looking well in control of the game but without creating any really good scoring opportunity. South Lakeland then took the lead when a sweeping move from midfield exposed the LX defence and Alan Dures was unable to deal with a shot from close range. Stung into action by this unexpected reverse, LX were soon back on level terms when a quick break down the right found Tony Jones in the circle to deflect past the ‘keeper. Half time score 1-1.

With the game evenly balanced, both sides created chances but were unable to capitalise until LX managed to break the deadlock with another trademark effort from Tony Jones who was on hand to divert the ball into goal on his reverse stick.

LX should have moved further ahead when Bob Purshouse broke from midfield but his final ball was too close to the ‘keeper who rescued the situation. With time running out LX were almost robbed of victory when South Lakeland’s centre forward was left with only Alan Dures to beat, but Alan made a great save to ensure victory.

Morecambe Masters XI  7  v.  LX Club  1   Played at St. Martins Leisure Centre, Lancaster

Following their success on the previous day, LX took to the field full of confidence, but it was soon apparent that a Morecambe side which included a number of younger ‘veterans’ was going to be a much tougher proposition, even when their average age was boosted by the inclusion of LX’ers Andy Holden, Laurie Alcock and Bill Warrender! The pace of the Morecambe side was on show at an early stage and they took the lead after 5 minutes, when a loose ball was picked up in midfield, switched quickly to the left and back into the middle where Alan Dures could only watch as the ball was swept into goal. Struggling to keep any possession, LX were soon 2 goals in arrears as a cross from the right was turned into goal. With Keith Hunt and Jim Tranter on the right and Austyn Leaverland and Tony Jones on the left endeavouring to give the midfield an outlet, LX looked to get into the Morecambe circle but a breakaway down the right resulted in the deficit increasing to 3! As half time approached LX were in danger of being overrun but a left wing excursion into the opposition half reduced the arrears when the ‘keeper failed to clear and an alert Keith Hunt was on hand to take advantage..

Buoyed up by this success, LX opened the second half in sprightly fashion but had the wind totally taken out of their sails by a quick 2 goal burst, the first of which gave Alan Dures no chance being fired in from the by line. After the exertions of the previous day LX now had their backs to the wall in an effort to hold the scoreline but with the difference in years catching up, two further goals were conceded. This was a difficult game for LX but they stuck manfully to their task, playing some good hockey. The difference between the two sides had much to do with the presence of a number of younger veterans drafted into the Morecambe side in order to get a side out for a midweek match.

A Club dinner was held at the Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge after the Wednesday match at which thanks were given to Andy Holden for once again delivering a top quality tournament. Ian Marsh umpired on behalf of LX on both days.

LX & South Lakeland

Squad :Alan Dures; Alan Jackson; Roger Lomas; David Read; Austyn Leaverland; Adrian Money; Keith Hunt;Bob Purshouse; Richard Clarke; David Wright; Tony Jones; Jim Tranter:

Team Manager; John Longden.
Tour Manager: Andy Holden.
Match Report: Bill Warrender.