Unbeaten Bolts Storm Towards Semi-Finals

The final game of qualifying saw the Dodos of Basingstoke sneak into the quarter finals after a tight Group A finish that saw four teams separated by just one point. It was another tight affair in Group B but a late winner from Groom’s Goons at the Invincible Islanders was enough to secure qualification over the Bedrock Bombers who, despite trashing the MK Fireworx 7-3, came up short on goals scored.

Group C was completely wide open going into the final game but Wilson’s Wanderers and Parker Jackets grabbed the two qualification slots at the death. Wanderers 8-4 win over Ledbury’s Leprechauns gave them top berth and put paid to the Leprechaun’s qualification hopes and the Jackets squeezed in despite only drawing 6-6 with the basement boys Hockey Hookers but a surprise defeat for the Rampaging Penguins at the Timber Wolves gifted the Jackets second spot.

Qualification from Group D was already sorted before the final fixtures but the top of the table showdown saw the Bushleague Midweekers take the spoils 7-6 at the Aston Villains who were resting several key players for the quarter finals !

The first leg of the Quarter Finals were played Sunday evening and saw four teams staking strong claims for semi-final places. Go Bolts kept their tournament unbeaten record intact with a thumping 8-4 win over Parker Jackets while the Villains of Aston made the Islanders look anything but Invincible with a 4-7 road win.

The closest game saw Wilson’s Wanderers edge out the highly fancied Basingstoke Dodos 7-5 and in the final tie, the Bushleague Midweekers surprisingly lost their tournament unbeaten record 5-8 at home to Groom’s Goons.

Second leg ties will take place next Saturday.