Mens 2's defence dominates during decisive win (3-0)

On a crisp, cold, chilly morning, and only 1 point separating the two teams, Marlborough welcomed Royal Wootton Bassett for what is always a close game. Despite some last minute changes to the team, we managed to field a strong team and we saw the return of “young” Will Radnedge.
This will be a short report this on the grounds that I was going to ask Dan Crossman to write the report, but he damaged his wrist – an unnecessary lifted ball, and I [Andy D] have broken my [typing] finger – another unnecessary lifted ball !

There were several impressive things about today’s game:
• Defence – It was so good this week! Keith Radnedge returned from a week off, presumably to remind his son he could play a bit ! Last week we had 3 mistakes, and all 3 resulted in goals against us. This week, the defence was faultless - I don’t recall giving away a single short corner the whole game. Keith, with Rob Hues and Nick Jephson, swept up everything that came their way, and Rich Newton again made a couple of really sharp saves at key moments.
• Creating opportunities – We created so many opportunities today through some excellent passing and switching of the ball – just need to work on our shooting! There was some impressive build up play through the midfield and the forwards had lots of opportunities and won lots of short corners.
• Short Corners – the best to be said is that we won lots of them…… but failed to score from any of them. It is clear that we maybe need to transfer some of the “short corner training” from the “Green Dragon” to the “green grass!” ….and finally to the most impressive act of the day
• An attempted “Drop Kick” – Rob Hues [season ticket holder at Bath Rugby Club and dashing straight to the Recreation ground to watch his favourite team] did not expect to see a “drop kick” attempted until later in the afternoon. Least of all, Rob did not expect someone to “drop kick” him!” Unbelievable…..the sheer mechanics and physics of the attempt don’t make sense - and a “yellow” card was deserved for even thinking it , let alone attempting it!
However, the real story started on the opposite side of the pitch. One of the “Quicker and Emotional Forwards – to be known as “QEF” dribbled the ball towards Rob (Right Back) near the 25 – realising there was no way round him [there never is!], QEF decided that his better option was to just outsprint the huge man-mountain. So QEF turned right and sprinted with the ball towards the middle of the pitch, Rob was on shoulder, QEF got faster, so did Rob [he has a turn of speed you know !]. At this point [middle of the pitch – you could sense QEF’s emotion rising], QEF faked to cutback [draw breathe more like!], and then kept sprinting across the pitch. We all had a cup of tea while we watched a great 1-on-1! The two of them ran all the way across the pitch and Rob marshalled the QEF all the way to the opposite touchline and into the fence. It was at that point, as Rob turned away, that QEF attempted to “drop kick” Rob out the ground! He missed – his red rage , turned to umpire “yellow” QEF just ended up spending some time “warming the bench and reflecting the error of his ways”
Back to the Game……..
1-0 Nick Leach scored from all of about 2 inches after a Gareth Playfair shot struck the post.
Half Time was only 1-0, but we were playing some good hockey and the chances would eventually turn.
2-0 Will Radnedge scored a well taken goal which was also a reflection of his overall contribution in midfield.
3-0 Gareth Playfair scored a penalty stroke after Will Radnedge got up ended in the D by the keeper, as he tried to weave round him. The umpires consulted each other and decided that it was a clear flick.
In summary, it was a very good win, we played some excellent hockey and the win keeps us top of the league - by only one point and with several teams all poised to take the lead.
Man of the Match – Nick Jephson. All round great performance in defence and a number of timely interventions.
DOD – We don’t normally make this award – but today it is ….QEF !!