Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 04 December 2008

THE wintry weather put paid to the majority of hockey in Cumbria last weekend.

Freezing conditions are probably the only time that hockey matches will ever be postponed or cancelled, the water seeping into the Astro pitch surface making conditions underfoot akin to an ice rink and very dangerous.

So, the two KHC teams able to play were those with matches scheduled far out of the county – the men’s firsts losing 3-1 away against Manchester Trinity firsts on Saturday and the men’s thirds losing their away match against Preston sixths, also on Saturday.

The men’s seconds fixture at home against Morecambe thirds fell victim to the weather, as did both of Keswick Ladies’ seconds’ Netherwood League matches on Saturday and Sunday, the U9 friendly on Sunday and also the U19 ladies’ tournament at Kirkby Stephen.

It is hoped that all these fixtures will be re-scheduled either towards Christmas or into the New Year.

Preston 6ths 1

Keswick WC 3rds 0

This was a NW division 10N match that Keswick West Cumbria will feel they should and could have won.

With a late afternoon start and thick fog descending on the pitch, Keswick started brightly and controlled the first half well through their composed midfield. They passed the ball around quickly and made intelligent runs into space, but they struggled to get the ball in the danger areas.

James Simmonds on the right looked sharp and put in many powerful crosses that only needed a touch to knock the ball past the home keeper, but KWC just couldn’t find that touch.

They came close from three penalty corners, with James Rush putting his shot just wide and Rob Morris having two shots blocked on the line.

KWC’s defence was strong and didn’t slip up in the first half – except when Steve Hemm landed on his back after slipping on an increasingly freezing surface.

With Nick Pavey-Smith playing alongside James Rush in central midfield, the ball was worked up the pitch well time and time again, and Ryan McCully also looked impressive and managed to find space in attacking positions all through the match.

However, the second half was a different story. At the break Preston made a change in their midfield and it immediately rattled KWC.

The substitute seemed to inspire Preston, Keswick losing all control they had in midfield and they just couldn’t get going.

Ten minutes from time their goal eventually came after a strong run from Preston’s sub who then hit the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.

Keswick should have pushed forward more to find the equaliser but were still mired in defence, with Dean Ward and Dougie Jay required to put in a lot of hard work down the wings.

Up front Keswick looked restrained and, despite Chris Bateman and Dan Chippendale working hard, they couldn’t get through on goal.