Colombians take big step towards retaining the title

Thursday 13th January 2011, 2:29PM GMT.

Colombians’ Matt de la Mare, left, and Andy Alford of Indies, right, both scored for their respective sides in the top-of-the-table clash. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 1049688)

COLOMBIANS have taken a significant step towards retaining their hockey league crown with a 3-1 win against title-rivals Independents.

Colombians now have a nine point lead at the top of the table – although Indies do have a game in hand – after a match which included a host of chances for either side and a couple of controversial umpiring decisions.

‘On balance it was a pretty even game and, in fairness, Indies play hockey the right way and if they get another couple of seasons together as a team they will become a real threat,’ said Colombians captain Matt Watson.

‘Saying that, we deserved the three points and it puts a bit of daylight between us and them.’