BORO BATTLE HARDIN EURO CHALLENGE; Boys roll up to the plate against German ace team.

MIDDLESBROUGH Roller Hockey Club proved they can hold their own with the best in Europe this weekend.

Despite a 5-2 defeat in the home leg of the CERS Cup - the UEFA Cup of roller hockey - the home boys did themselves proud.

The Boro boys suffered a heavy 12-1 first leg defeat away to semi-professional German outfit RESG Walsum and were determined to show they have what it takes to compete in Europe.

In front of a home crowd of more than 200 supporters, Boro looked to take control of the game from the off and press the Germans into early mistakes.

The opening encounters saw chances fall for both teams as they fought to take control.

Against the run of play, Walsum were first on the score sheet after a speculative effort managed to creep past an unsighted Ian Smith.

Boro remained confident however and dominated the play from the restart, seeing a host of missed opportunities.

The home side finally drew level with 10 minutes to play of the first-half as captain John Jones found the top corner following a perfectly executed counter-attack.

Walsum took a fortunate lead after a wicked deflection from Michael Ableson's boot left the Boro keeper stranded.

With the first-half drawing to a close, Boro battled to draw level but were unable to find an equalizer before the break.

The second half saw Middlesbrough take the game to Walsum, remaining resolute in defence and creative in attack. The visiting team began to crack under the pressure and the game looked to be swaying in Boro's favour.

Boro's rhythm was interrupted as play stopped while a Walsum player received medical attention. Following a Walsum player received medical attention.the play A period of poor defending meant the Germans Found the back of the net three times as Boro Tried in vain to take the game back under their control.

After a series of changes Boro eventually managed to re-balance the game and with minutes left on the clock began to press the Walsum goal.

A series of near misses raised the crowd to their feet before Graeme Stewart found the back of the net with a well placed back hand.

At the final whistle the score was 5-2 to Walsum, a score line that surprised the German visitors who admitted they were expecting a much easier ride.

Middlesbrough now look to build on their unbeaten domestic record as they travel to Grimsby on December 13.

Captain John Jones said: "A big thank you must go out to all of our sponsors, Sangwin, Access Training Services, Mobile Plant Training and Cleveland Bridge as well as Middlesbrough Council and Awards for All.

"Without their help we would have never been able to enter the competition."

CAPTION(S):

READY FOR THE TASK: Matthew Radcliffe, right, and below right; STICKING WITH IT: Middlesbrough player Owen Stewart, above, gets some training in Pictures by IAN McINTYRE; PRACTISING: One of the players lines up his next move, above; SKILLFUL: Beth Cook, left, and Billy Stevenson, below; SAVES: Dan Palmer in goal, above; ON THE ATTACK: Team captain John Jones in action, left; DEFENSIVE: Peter Lonsdale, centre, defends the goal, left