Tough Start

The new team couldn't mark its debut match with a win, but we had a lively and encouraging game against a young but very strong Saffron Walden side (div 8 SE, one level above us). A good turn out of 13 6s regulars, helped out by Matt Earle and Marcus Stirling from the 2s and our regular guest Luke from the 5s we had a well matched side who played good flowing hockey, scored three fine goals and had plenty of other chances. Unfortunately the defence varied from periods of gifted tackling and rapid, incisive distribution, to patches of leaden footed chaos, and a succession of the latter in the second half cost us three goals and put the game beyond our reach. Maybe we got a bit overambitious after we had found our third equailser after half time. Marcus got our first sweeping in a cross from the right, where Andy Benson and Chris Duncan constantly created openings. Marcus also added the second with a lovely solo drive, Tor got the third, right on the spot to finish another neat combination and cross down the right.

Plenty of good work from Nicholas again between the posts, tremendous work rate from Luke, and great use of space out left from Rian towards the end, and all round lots of good skills, hard work and strong team work. Plenty to build on as the seaon goes on.