Old friends and new faces...

With help from many old friends back from uni (or shortly off to Uni) and cameos from a selection of M1 and M2 players who happened to be loitering on the bench whenever one of us ran out of breath (which was fairly often) we gave a very good game to WH 3s, who will be a division above us in the league.

Despite a commanding performance fro MotM Peter Trendler, we were still a bit patchy in defence against quick attackers, but we matched them well on the rest of the pitch, fought back impressively from an early 2 goal deficit (James Ware and Andy Benson hitting the target) and after conceding a third raised our game and had much the best of the last quarter, created some excellent chances but couldn't get past a very sharp keeper.

A very promising return to hockey for Allan Ross after a 15 year sabbatical, he will go a long way to reinvigorate the midfield now we have lost most of last season's line up to the 4s. Adult debut for Noah Osborn was equally encouraging, disciplined marking and intelligent use of space. Against fast and experienced opponents Rian and Tor upfront showed growing maturity, holding up play, running well off the ball and dropping back to find space. All round we supported each other well and played square and back balls with increasing frequency.

Next week we may not have the guests with us, but we have shown that we can play a more confident play-building game, let's keep it going when we are on our own.

On a sentimental note, it was lovely for the old core who have stayed with the bottom team (whatever number has been attached to it) for the last 7 years to see so many of our 'graduates' (James Ware - 2008, Elliot and James Begg - 2010, Peter and Adam 2011) back with us and playing such an impressive standard of hockey.