A fantastic final day of Euro Hockey League Round 1.1 action saw four high quality matches as well as a moment of hockey history at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.
The day’s opening match saw a terrific contest between local favourites Atlétic Terrassa and Reading HC of England, which was witnessed by a large crowd supporting the Catalan team. The match finished 2-2, a result which was good enough to confirm their place as winners of Pool B on goal difference, but the match will be remembered for a moment of hockey history. Spanish international defender Xavi Ribas became the first player in the modern game to score an own goal when he deflected into his own net in the second period of the match.
In the second match of the day, WKS Grunwald Poznan of Poland gave Germany’s UHC Hamburg a real scare when they fought back from a 3-0 deficit to 3-2, but the 2007-08 EHL champions held on for victory. Goals from Kiwi international Shea McAleese, Olympic Gold medallist Philip Witte and Germany star Moritz Fürste proved to be enough to confirm UHC's position as winners of Pool H.
Netherlands international striker Jeroen Hertzberger scored a hat trick for H.C. Rotterdam as his team powered to a 6-1 victory over Ireland's Pembroke Wanderers. Hertzberger was in imperious form and was involved in almost every great move put together by the Dutch giants, who also scored goals through Paul Maas, Robert van der Horst and Phil Burrows. The result meant that H.C. Rotterdam secured first place in Pool G, ensuring that they will avoid a Pool winner in the draw for Round 2.
The final match of the day and the tournament saw host club RC Polo take a narrow 2-1 victory over Waterloo Ducks of Belgium. Gabriel Dabanch scored twice to give his side a triumph that guaranteed top position in Pool E. A large crowd witnessed a closely fought encounter which was the perfect way to end the first weekend of the 2009-10 Euro Hockey League season.
The Euro Hockey League was honoured to have Leandro Negre amongst the spectators, with the FIH President witnessing a great day of action on a beautiful day in Barcelona.
Round 1.2 of the Euro Hockey League takes place in two weeks time at St Germain HC. A full preview of that event will appear on the FIH website next week. For more information about Round 1.2 and the Euro Hockey League in general, please visit www.ehlhockey.tv.
