The match was played in a very cold but beautiful afternoon, thankfully the sun had done enough to thaw the pitch by our 3pm pushback. Again the boys were encouraged to offer up their thoughts about what was needed in the game and again they demonstrated a good understanding meaning that right from the whistle we got off to a fast start...
The boys were moving the ball around well between themselves and running off the ball to help the passer. Our first goal came from a great pass from Toby through to Ollie who got a clean shot off into the goal. Similarly the second goal was another strong lay off from Toby up to James M who clinically shot for goal. Meanwhile in defence Joseph was having a great game intercepting their forwards with powerful jabs and tackles, Ted was also making some key interceptions. Gouldie was skilfully dribbling round the centre mid before distributing and James D was putting in a massive effort at right half fighting for every ball. Ollie's ball skills on the right wing outclassed the opposition. The final goal of the first half was a great reverse stick hit from the top of the D by Toby.
Our half time chat was again led by the boys with comments made such as we were bunching too much in midfield and needed to move the ball wide, we needed to get earlier passes and we needed to make sure we did not let their forwards get between our backs and the goal.
So with these points in mind we played better hockey in the 2nd half. It was great to see Joe H passing the ball early (much more of that please). Ollie had switched into centre forward and harassed their defence even more. We put massive pressure on their defence and the next goal came from James M with a beautiful shot into the top of the net. Again the pressure was huge and our next goal came off their defence but I believe Ollie had had a very firm strike so credit to him. Our final goal was from Joe H who had dribbled into the D and taken an early shot.
Squad: Joey, Sam R, James M, Toby K, Ollie de GW, Joseph, Gouldie, James D, Joe H, Ted, Ethan, Patrick
Goals: Ollie 2, James M 2, Toby 1, Joe H 1
My Man of the Match: Ollie for great competitive spirit, good dribbling and great shots.
It is always a pleasure to coach a team of boys who try their best and are hungry to learn and develop. Thank you boys and really well played. | 
