Letchworth V 4 - 2 Hertford VI

Hertford failed to learn their lessons from the previous two weeks effectively starting to play proper hockey only after 10 minutes had gone by which time they were 2 goals down. Letchworth, fielding a strong side, started by far the better, using their fast running wingers and mid field to break through into the Hertford D and scoring two well struck goals from open play.

As often with this side, heads stayed high and far from feeling outplayed, the midfield started to both work back to help the defence and then find space when we had possession. John Andrews solid in defence clearedoff the line at one point and Nick Izzard stopping a number of good shots through the game. The introduction of Kash after 12 minutes started to cause problems for Letchworth as he and Chris Dean pushed forward. Reward came with the award of a penalty corner neatly slipped by Daryl into Kash's path who made no mistake with a hammering strike into the corner of the backboards.

A few tweaks at halftime and good work rate from Daryl and Dave Harding in midfield saw Hertford maintain a competitive presence on the field. Letchworth were still working hard too and were unlucky not to score from a messy penalty corner with stand in captain Graham clearing off the line as the ball was struck firmly through a sea of players. Unluckily though, Letchworth's next attack saw a lifted shot well saved by Nick but only to fall onto the stick of a Letchworth forward to push into goal.

Still undeterred Hertford quickly cut the difference back to one goal scoring a second from a penalty corner, Ian Rawlinson finding the net from a loose ball in front of goal. As Hertford continued to push forward to equalise, the champagne moment of the game (and possibly the 6's season) came but alas it was Letchworth producing it. A skilful and well directed aerial ball from a free hit was taken by their young forward just outside the top of the D, he controlled superbly taking the ball into the D with his second touch and with his third the 13 year old left the Hertford keeper no chance with his shot. It was great to see the Hertford team joining the spontaneous applause even though that sealed their fate for the game.

Man of the Match goes to Kash for his presence up front as well as his well taken goal.