Cannock fight back to grab win

Chris Graham, Cannock's new signing, scored twice as his club overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Hampstead and Westminster 3-2 in the final of the Westminster Challenge at Paddington yesterday.

After opening brightly, with the England striker causing all sorts of problems, particularly from either wing, Cannock conceded two goals in two minutes from Hampstead's South African Craig Carolan – first with a touch-in during a goalmouth scramble, then a well-struck penalty corner.

However, an impetuous tackle by their South African captain Andy Von Mayer on Andy Brogdon early in the second half left Hampstead reduced to ten men. Before they could reorganise, Ben Sharpe tore their defence apart to set up the first goal for Graham. A second Hampstead sending off – Matt Hetterington for dissent – saw Graham strike again, after Brogdon had opened up the defence.

Restored to full complement, Hampstead rallied, with Hetterington working hard to make amends, but were unable to find their early rhythm. The winning goal came when Chris Mayer, later named Player of the Tournament, ran 60 yards through the Hampstead defence.