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BEESTON 1 - 1 CANNOCK

Image - The Bees wait for the team talk from Coach, Zak Jones.

The day started well for Cannock as they picked up two trophies before the game started. Christine O'Donovan from England Hockey presented Richard Lane with the Player of the season award (2008/09) and Gareth Andrew who hit 19 league goals last season was also presented with a silver salver for Top Goalscorer.

The first half saw both sides trying, but generally failing, to regain the former high standards of play. Beeston had an early chance in the 4th minute but Chris Seddon failed to take it. However, the Bees eventually took the lead with the second penalty corner, when Jamie Parker deflected home past Great Britain keeper, James Fair. Beeston grew in confidence as half time approached.

The second half was a different affair. Cannock were allowed back into the game by a Beeston side that insisted on giving the ball away and the inevitable happened in the 51st minute when Nick Bandurak found himself in space and took his chance well.

Neither side could dominate play and didn't warrant the full points on offer, and a draw probably reflected the score, and lack of creativity from both sides.

Captain, Stephen Lawrence commented, "Our pre-season preparations have been rather disjointed for a variety of reasons, we are expecting to be close to full strength by next weekend, and back into gear. A league and cup double header is what we need to get players used to working together again."

Beeston meet Brooklands in Manchester on Saturday. They take on high scoring, Brooklands, in the National Premiership (12.30pm).

The Bees return home on Sunday as they enter the England Hockey Cup in Round 2 against local opposition. They are drawn against West Bridgford from the Midlands Premier Division. (2.00pm)