COURAGEOUS WESTERN FALL TO EGARA IN THE EHL

Western were undoubtedly the underdogs for this EHL ranking play-off match in Hamburg against crack Spanish side Egara, but they put in a brave performance only to finally go down 3-1. The man-of-the match was undoubtedly Western`s keeper Gavin Sommerville who produced a series of brilliant saves to deny the eager Spanish forwards.

Western were certainly not outclassed by Egara in the first quarter which ended goalless. There were few chances although Gavin Sommerville had to look lively to block a powerful shot from the top of the circle.

The Scots only half opportunity fell to Andrew McConnell, he received a high ball in the Spanish circle but before he had the chance to shoot the umpire blew for dangerous play. Egara won their first penalty corner in the closing seconds but McConnell bravely blocked their effort at goal.

Egara began to show their class in the second quarter by controlling proceedings and may have taken the lead but for some brilliant goalkeeper from Gavin Sommerville in the Western goal.

The Spaniards had three penalty corners inside as many minutes. The second produced stunning quadruple saves from Somerville to deny the Egara forwards. Then soon after at another penalty corner a powerful high flick saw Sommerville bat away the ball with a one-handed save.

And so the first half ended 0-0 – doubtless Vishal Marwaha was the happier coach!

Egara`s opening goal was tainted with a touch of cruelty. In an early attack Western appeared to hit a post, the Spanish immediately went up to the other end with a high ball that found Xavier Aguilar next to Sommerville and the Spaniard deflected the ball into the net. Western called for a video referral on the basis of danger but it was turned down and the goal stood.

Soon after a great chance fell to Adam Mackenzie, he received the ball in the circle with only the keeper to beat, but delayed too long and was finally dispossessed.

Western`s persistence finally paid off with an equaliser which shook the Egara management, a high ball from Callum Duke found Mackenzie and this time the Auchenhowie youngster fired a fierce shot through the keeper.

The Scots might have gone ahead a minute later with their first penalty corner but Fraser Moran`s shot went wide.

Egara were awarded five penalty corners in a row and at the final one a deflection by Lluis Mercade gave Sommerville no chance for a 2-1 lead.

Then a yellow card to Hamish Galt did not help the Western cause.

But undaunted Western mounted the pressure on the Egara goal searching for another equaliser but were caught on the counter-attack and Alex Broto sealed the result with a simple strike.

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