Press Release - 08/02/2004

East Antrim Hockey Club
8th February 2004

For further information, contact:
Stephen Swann
Press Release Officer - East Antrim Hockey Club
34 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 6HP
078 0316 7731
http://www.eastantrim.co.uk/

HOCKEY MATCH BECOMES BLOODBATH

East Antrim Hockey Club may be flying high in Senior League 2, but they are going to have to get themselves promoted the hard way after last weekend's exploits. They beat fellow promotion chasers Down handsomely as they scored 5 goals with Down only able to respond with a brace. However, David Caldwell will be more concerned about the team he will lead in the coming weeks after seeing his squad depleted so drastically.

David is already without the services of Ulster Junior Squad member, Johnny Porter through injury. Craig McGrugan has suffered a setback in his comeback trail with a back strain. But he has now lost the services of James Greer...

James was involved in a head collision with a Down defender during the 5-2 victory. Unfortunately, James was knocked out and paramedics were called immediately. Examinations at the hospital showed that he had suffered a hairline fracture to the skull and he has been told by doctors that he must not play again for at least a month.

The Down defender, Gavin Wilson, also required hospital treatment, though stitches were enough to get him back into action. Even David Caldwell himself had to go to hospital following the game as he was struck on the head by a stick. His bloodied ear required stitches but he was upbeat:

"We won the game and it keeps us top of the league. The loss of James is disappointing, but the fact that he will be fine, given time, is more important. To be honest, I'm more worried about what the Treasurer is going to say to me when I ask for First Aid supplies. Saturday was a bloodbath and the First Aid kit got quite an outing."

For the record, David Caldwell scored twice with Alan Burgess, Aaron Young and Eddie Baird grabbing the other three. Aaron's strike keeps him ahead in the East Antrim goalscoring charts with 18 for the season so far.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XI captain, Stephen Swann, was issuing another Player of the Month award. This time, Andrew Blair's performances during January caught Swann's eye:

"Andrew is showing all the qualities necessary to step up a gear and join the ranks of the 1st XI. He is a young lad with plenty of energy, when channelled correctly. Being selfish, though, I want him to stay with the 2nd XI for a while longer!"