Last weekend saw the culmination of the South Eastern Counties roller hockey season with Finals Day played at Herne Bay Arena.

Herne Bay RHC qualified to take part in three of the four finals – despite spreading resources across two teams in most age groups – and competition was fierce against local rivals HBU and Maidstone.

An early start to the day saw Bay’s young U17s team come up against a strong HBU outfit and a fast-paced game played out.  Bay competed strongly and were a goal up at the break through Sian Emslie but unable to hold on in the second half as HBU netted three times to run out 3-1 winners. These two teams will lock horns again next weekend in the National Cup final.

Next up were Bay U13s against SECRHA League winners Maidstone and a thrilling, end-to-end encounter resulted in a 1-1 score line at the end of regular time, Bay fighting back from a 1-0 deficit. Cup games in roller hockey bring into play the ‘golden goal’ rule and an early break away in extra time say Joe Chipperfield calmly slot away the winning goal.

Bay’s final involvement was in the U15s age group where both teams qualified for the final.  As has been the case all season when these two sides have met, Bay’s older team (Blues) enjoyed more of the ball with the younger side (Pinks) looking to score on the counter attack.

This match was to be no different with Pinks winning through two second half goals.

Bay now look forward to the National Cup Finals next weekend where the club will field teams in all four junior age groups from U11s through U17s.