THE CLUB FORCES KINGS TO DEFEND FOR THEIR LIVES

MATCH REPORT: Ben Wyatt (Stand In Skipper)

In their last pre season friendly a depleted BOE 1st XI took to the Kings College pitch with the intention of playing some nice free flowing hockey, with the hope the hot weather would prevent us from dribbling too much. The opening 10 started well with BOE playing the ball around the pitch nicely, some good transferring at the back leading to some early chances through good link up play across all 10 outfield positions. Then a questionable interception from the Kings centre forward led to him rounding the keeper and flicking straight into a BOE defender on the line, penalty flick, and from nowhere BOE went 1 down. Despite more good play from BOE they swiftly found themselves 3 down, through a short corner and then a scrappy goal from a couple of yards out. Depressingly BOE were playing much the better hockey and creating more chances, also having a goal ruled out on the stroke of half time.

A half time team talk from Cal encouraging us to be more clinical in front of goal and to concentrate on the press led to a completely different second half. The press worked really well with Kings going through spells of 5-10 minutes of not getting out of their 22. This led to chance after chance, finally one was put away by Tom Mayfield after some good passing work from the front 6. 5 minutes later Stephen Roche snuck a deflection over the Kings keeper from a couple of yards out to put BOE right back in the game. Unfortunately despite constant pressure BOE couldn’t find an equaliser.

It was a good final warm up before the big game next week away at Old Bords. The team played well and the work rate on a hot day from all 14 players was great to see. The press worked really well in the second half and if that keeps firing we should be in great shape. We completely dominated the game with the exception of both ‘D’s. This is a big positive and gives the team something to work on in the next few weeks. Next up is the start of the season and after another good session on Tues everyone should be raring to go.

Stand In Skipper - Ben Wyatt