East Grinstead have the midas touch

By lpoynton

East Grinstead proved they are the undisputed kings of indoor hockey with a stunning display of grit and self belief that left the opposition gasping in admiration.

They want to become the most dominant force in English hockey, in both the outdoor and indoor formats of the game.

And after this showing there is not likely to be very much to stop them.

They have lit the fuse on a rocket that is flying high into orbit, with no sign of stopping.

The squad is now just two games away from writing another chapter in the history books, but manager Matt Jones is again warning against complacency.

"We have a terrific track record and in recent years almost everything we touch seems to turn to gold"

National champions in two disciplines of the game, a place in the last eight of the EuroHockey League last season and flying high again in the competition this year, representing England at the European Indoor Club Champions Trophy next month in Vienna, and you get the feeling this could be just the start.

"The players did a first class, professional job," enthused Jones, reflecting on the weekend. "It was always going to look like a bit of a lottery, but as ever the team produced a disciplined performance and those stepping into the side with Ashley [Jackson], Glenn [Kirkham] and Adam [Harper] missing, showed what depth we have."

The Indoor League games are divided over two weekends, and Grinstead approached the second with an unbeaten record.

Needing just one win to secure a place at finals night, Grinstead opened with a 10-1 destruction of Havant with Dave De Prez and Niall Stott both scoring hat-tricks.

Scott Ashdown, Andy Piper, Mike Holland and Mark Pearm grabbed the others.

They fought back from three goals down against Surbiton to win 7-4, before clinching the title with a 4-0 defeat of Loughborough Students.

They finished the job off with a 12-5 win over Reading.

De Prez took his personal tally to 26 in eight games, his goals spread evenly across the two weekends.

"Dave also knew he missed his fair share of goals, and I would fully expect him to be completely hungry at Nottingham," said Jones.

"Dave has been a stalwart of the indoor squad, and has a deep passion for the game. His track record as a striker speaks volumes."

Jones also paid tribute to 17-year-old German Mats Grambusch, who has made a big impressive on the English game. "He has stamped his authority on the game over here and is equal to Martin Haner who was with us last year, if not more," Jones added.

Haner, who played a major role in all of Grinstead's success last year, has been named German Hockey Player of the Year for his contribution to the sport in the past 12 months.

Scorers at the weekend were de Prez (13), Stott (six), Pearn (six), Grambuscg (two), captain Ashdown (two), Holland (two), Piper and Simon Ogden (two).

Jones said he was delighted with the way Grinstead handled everything thrown in their path.

"When you see the team in competition, their performances belie the hard work they have put in, the training and playing together which makes them an exceptionally well organised team. It's all down to hard work and practice," he explained.

Grinstead go into finals night against the might of Reading, Surbiton and Loughborough Students.

Grinstead will play Reading in the semi-finals on finals night with the winners meeting Loughborough or Surbiton.