Spluttering Start, Strong Finish - Good win !

Well the new 2018/2019 season got under way with a tasty local derby (2’s v 3’s) match that is always eventful and full of “lively chat!” Notably, both teams were full of new players, which bodes well for the season.
The story of the game is best summarised as a “game of 2 halves”. In the first half the 2’s had lots of possession, short corners and chances, and failed to score. The 3’s definitely played the better hockey at times switching the ball quickly and some of their senior veterans (Andy Shaw, Mark Banham) always looked threatening. Sadly for the 2’s too much of the play was through the middle of the pitch and not enough of the quick switch play that we had practised in training.
The score at half time was 0-0 and the 3’s definitely felt the more buoyant going to the half time break, and sniffing the chance of a major upset. A few carefully selected words were said at half time, but the most important message was to “keep it simple, start shifting the ball from side to side much quicker....and a little more effort required!!”.
The second half saw the 2’s shift the ball much quicker from side to side to open up the space and then attack. Freddie Hazlitt replaced Mark Ramage and made an immediate impact by opening the scoring from a short corner and then there was a barrage of pressure throughout the 2nd Half and the 2’s ran away comfortable winners. The score did not reflect the difficulty of the game and the effort and commitment of the 3’s. The end scoreline flattered the 2’s, but it did reflect how much better they played in 2nd half.
On this performance there is much to be hopeful for both teams – and a lot of hard work and teamwork lie ahead.
Gareth Playfair scored 3 goals and Freddie Hazlitt scored 2 goals.
Man of the Match – Luc Renwick 3rd Team Goal Keeper for some outstanding play throughout the game.