Well. It wasn’t to be. We stumbled at the final hurdle on our wonderful Road To Lee Valley adventure. The heroic Men’s 1st Team disappointingly went down 7-2 to an experienced and well-drilled Guernsey team who were playing in their fifth final in as many years. The fact that this loss (in a Cup Final) was only the second time the team has suffered defeat all season in both league and cup campaigns is testament to the success and hard work of this fantastic group of players and coaches. The Club and all its members and supporters couldn’t be more proud of everything the team has given and achieved this season. They have been promoted to the South Premier League as Champions and week on week they gave us a feast of fabulous hockey to enjoy as they achieved that objective with aplomb. They have given us a wonderful Cup Final day out at Lee Valley with the BOE Red Army out in full effect painting the stadium Red and making a hell of a noise. It was magnificent to see the size and range of the BOE support at Lee Valley with so many young and old members cheering our heroes on. The Mid Sussex Couves and Bartlett clan plus The Hayter were there as were our newest families with youngsters in our U6s. A superb turnout from our splendid Women’s teams who were very vocal and a consistently positive presence. It was a day full of expectation and hope but sometimes it doesn’t go your way and we must pick ourselves up and go again. We will be back and next time we will win it. Just getting to the final is a wonderful achievement for the Club and we should all be very proud and consider ourselves very worthy. The Club is on the up and we will get bigger, better and have plenty more days like this to experience but next time we will be victorious.

As for the match? Two nil down after ten minutes due to a nervous start was not an unfamiliar scenario as this team have often fought back from a few goals down to win matches all season. Such is the incredible spirit and tenacity of this group. And so it was that once BOE found their feet they pulled the game level with two cracking goals. Firstly Chris Harden did what he's done all season and powered in an unstoppable drag flick underneath a diving keeper. BOE nearly added a second shortly after when fine work from Sacha DeMarigny saw him wriggle lose in the D before laying the ball off to a galloping Chris Harden who saw his powerful strike beat the GK but bounce agonisingly off the post. However, moments later Michael Lawrence produced a moment of magic at the top of the D from a penalty corner injection. He wobbled past three defenders before cooly scooping the ball into the goal. Great moments but sadly these goals came from two of only three penalty corners we managed to win. We pushed on in search of the lead for the remaining 10mins of the half but couldn't find the net so it finished 2-2 at the break with BOE in the ascendency. However, a poor lax in concentration straight after the break allowed Guernsey to score early and the pressure to chase the game was on straight away. Tom Harden then took a ball to the head in a valiant effort to prevent a Guernsey strike on goal and went down in agony. The Umpire in complete error and inexplicably allowed play to continue as the BOE GK and players stopped to tend to the stricken player. Disappointingly Guernsey didn’t stop for a moment to acknowledge the injury and effectively walked the ball into the goal and the Umpire awarded a goal. Guernsey showed a distinct lack of class as they shamefully celebrated the goal with not a single player bothering to see if Tom was ok as medical staff ran onto the pitch. An unbelievable passage of play and in light of recent head injuries in our sport for the Umpire to wave play on and not stop the game is unforgivable. This was a real turning point. The valid BOE protestations were waved away and at 4-2 the team had a mountain to climb. The wind visibly went out of the boy’s sails. The mood darkened moments later when the Guernsey GK saved a shot and dropped to his knees as he had an injury. Guernsey appealed and the Umpire blew his whistle and stopped the game immediately even though BOE had the ball in the Guernsey D. Why the same decision wasn’t made moments earlier when a clear head injury was visible is unfathomable. This lack of consistency and poor officiating is what upsets teams and in a game of such magnitude at such a pivotal moment these decisions can make a significant difference. When the Umpire reviews this moment we hope he realises what an awful error he made and next time doesn’t allow it to happen. This isn’t sour grapes but a justified protest at an indefensible decision. A bitter note on what was a magnificent day out for everyone at the Club.

Guernsey then pushed on and made their experience and quality show as they put another 3 goals past a desperate BOE side pushing high and hard in attempt to get back into the game. Guernsey were a very good side who defended with real skill and authority before hitting us on the break with deadly efficiency. We matched them in the first half and had the edge but the wheels came off in the second half and we didn’t have what was required to win this game.

This is a hugely disappointing result and it’s fair to say that the team didn’t play to their full potential or as well as they have all season. Whether it was nerves, weight of expectation or whatever it’s clear too many players weren’t at the races and things didn’t quite click. They faced the best team they've played all season and were left wanting. That’s often the nature of Cup games sometimes and I’m sure if the lads played again today it would be a very different result. We all feel hard done by a result that flattered our opponents and wasn't necessarily a fair reflection of the game but Guernsey had the edge and that was all they needed. On a positive note our best player and Man of the Match was the exceptional 17yr old Jake Owen who has risen through our Junior ranks and helps represent a very bright future for the club. Lots to reflect upon and I’m sure we will ultimately be better for the experience. We have plenty to work on for next season as we enter our historic 155th Season with the Club in rude health and making a triumphant return to the higher echelons of hockey.

Be Proud Be Worthy

Click this link to watch highlights of the game or use this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm2a8SqnPwE