The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Brighton Rock Inline Hockey Club has experienced a superb season. The Rock, captained by former Flin Flonner Scott Clark, were solid throughout the season, only losing two games through the 2008-2009 campaign on their way to their second league title in the past three seasons. As Champions of the Great Britain Inline Hockey League's Southern Division, the Rock were awarded a place in the British National Championship tournament. The tournament sees teams from England, Scotland and Wales compete for the honour of being crowned British National Champions. The tournament started positively with a 4-2 win over Cambridge. However, a 3-0 loss to the Trearddur Titans set up a must-win situation for the final round-robin game of the day. See 'Game' on pg. Continued from pg. To qualify for the semi-finals, the Rock had to beat the undefeated Rotherham Rhinos by three goals to go through on goal difference. The game was hotly contested and it remained 2-2 going into the final period. The Rock upped the tempo of the game and scored three unanswered goals to win 5-2 and book their place in the semi-finals. The Rock started the semi-finals with a renewed confidence. They outplayed their opponents from Telford, beating them 4-1 to book their place in their first National Final. In the final, they met a strong and experienced Lichfield Saracens team. Despite having the younger and less experienced squad, the Rock persevered, grinding out a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, setting up a tense overtime thriller. Unfortunately, with 2:20 remaining in OT, the Rock's fairy tale came to an end with a brilliant Saracens goal. Although disappointed, the Rock held their heads high after an incredibly exciting final match. The Brighton Inline Hockey Club was created by Ray and Lynn Morton in 1992 as a recreational club for kids. The club originally trained outdoors in Preston Park in Brighton, establishing itself as a grassroots organization. As the club and sport expanded, the club helped to establish the South East Skater Hockey Association (SESHA) and a senior team (Brighton Rock) in 1999. The Rock will return to action in September when the new season commences. You can follow the Brighton Rock's progress on Facebook by searching for Brighton Rock.
