FARNHAM Roller Hockey Club’s senior team were outstanding in their first National Division tournament of the season last weekend.

After their long trip, Farnham played host side Plymouth first and, after a slow start, cruised to a 5-1 victory.

Roller hockey is an incredibly fast sport and the ageing Walsall team, after a bright start, slumped 8-0 to the fit and well co-ordinated Farnham team.

Matt Carey (3), Mauro Soromemho (3) and Vito Padrino (2) shared the goals and there were solid performances from new player Jaime Cook and ‘gentle giant’ Tom Graff.

The match of the day was against Spen Valley. Farnham were losing 4-0 at half-time, but showed great determination to fight their way back. Goalie Andre Silva made some cracking saves and Vito Uvo hit almost impossible goals as Farnham pulled off a remarkable 7-6 victory.

Skipper Matt Carey said: “We all pulled together in the face of adversity with many styles and voices. Andre held it together, despite a painful hand injury.”

The Farnham team look forward to further success at Halifax in the new year.

Roller hockey, or rink hockey, has been a Farnham tradition for nearly 40 years. First played in England in 1896, it is the second national sport in Spain, Portugal and Argentina, and big in Italy and France.

Farnham has a mix of British and overseas players, making it a truly multi-national club for both sexes. The club trains on Sunday evenings at Farnham Sports Centre. For further information, visit the club’s website www.farnhamrollerhockey. co.uk