After the blip against Southgate 2 weeks ago we were back to our usual 6 goal benchmark (3 of the last 4 games) and a hat trick for Alex (4 out of the last 5 games). MBDA was the first real adult side we played, and it took us a quarter or so to work out how to handle their pace and strength and make the best of our finer ball skills. Once Alex had put us ahead we had a sublime 9 minutes when we scored 3 more goals (Harry, and 2 more for Alex all great team efforts as we unpicked their stubborn defence (they kept 4 deep at the back for most of the game) with smart short passes and sealed off the midfield with an unusually effective press. MBDA rallied at the end if the 1st half and struck well from a short corner. They started the 2nd half well but Alex sealed the game with his 4th and despite dominating the rest of the game and playing some very nice hockey, there was only 1 more goal, a first finish for Henry after another fine set up. I think I got all the goals in the right order but excuse me if I've mixed any of them up. MBDA stretched the game with two goal-hangers, creating a lot of space through midfield, and they continued to break briskly and dangerously, but Laurens was up to the challenge whenever they got the better of the defence.

Much good use of width and lateral passing, and some good running off the ball, but all areas we will have to continue to develop for when we face stronger opposition. A big thank you to Tim Albery as our guest centre mid again, and good to have Jamie Wackett back for a rare and impressive outing at centre back. Special mention also to Xander who looked very comfortable alongside Tim in the middle. But all round again a great team effort.

Footnotes: Michael Artis was denied his 2nd career goal when the umpires missed that his shot had gone inside the post and come out through the side netting! Alex missed his chance of five with a penalty corner hit that just scraped over the backboard.