Borough hockey seconds on the rack (From Thurrock Gazette)

Thurrock second string have a hard time against Southend

4:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport

HOCKEY: SOUTHEND’S second team won the East Division 5SE title with a 14-0 demolition of Thurrock II.

The Seasiders were missing first choice starters Ian Crompton, Paul Mellish and joint top scorer Adam Higman, but raced into a 3-0 lead with a hat-trick from captain Keith Arnold.

The new centre midfield pair of Simon Campbell and Ralph Du-gain kept creating chances for the forwards and the defence of Steve Hayman, Karl Druce, Phil Harvey and keeper Derren Ashby ensured Thurrock had no chances at the other end. In the end three players – Jak Summers, Aaron Pitts and Richard McGavigan – also helped themselves to hat-tricks. Neil Croucher and Robin Sutton also scored to give Southend a convincing win. Arnold said it had been a squad effort, and also singled out Sam Brooks, James Robinson, Josh Ashby, Steve Lockwood, Adam Green and Billy Taylor for praise.

He added: “That table doesn’t lie and our team thoroughly deserved to win the league."