HARD WORK DELIVERS DESERVED VICTORY

On a bright sunny morning BOE arrived sharp and ready to take 3 points off Canterbury Pilgrims. After some wise and encouraging words from coach Sam Djavit, the guys started their warm up full of intention. The lads noted the pitch was dry and sticky, which was not suited to a dribbling game.

Straight from the pushback BOE went on the offensive attacking the Canterbury goal, with brilliant play coming down the right hand side of the pitch. Finally after a failed penalty corner attempt, BOE won a another and forward Mike Lawrence slotted it away past an off balance Canterbury keeper. More strong attacks followed including a skied reversed stick shot. Lots of slick play between the forwards and the midfield brought about more short corners. However, plenty of good saves from the Canterbury keeper kept them in the game. 1-0 at half time left Blackheath in good spirits but wanting to close out the game in the second half. A good decision to try and run a no substitute 11 man Canterbury ragged was the plan for the second half.

The half started well and Blackheath looked to pass the ball around the back and free up the wide men in the midfield. A few promising attacks later and the score was still 1-0. However after Rob Hughes went on a possibly life threatening, altitude sickness inducing run down the right into the D, Blackheath had another chance from a penalty corner. Mike Lawrence, after figuring out the opposition goal keeper, calmly slotted the ball into the net, 2-0. A poor Umpiring decision saw a brilliant reverse stick goal disallowed due to being 'outside the D'. Replay's would've proved otherwise. However Blackheath where not disheartened and some brilliant passing moves from the midfield and forwards led to Dave Lawrence being unmarked high up in the D. A great ball diagonally across the D found him perfectly and he calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the goal, 3-0. Blackheath came together (literally) to try and close out the game which unfortunately led to a yellow card for Dan Moore after he and defender Ben Wyatt 'sandwiched' a Canterbury forward in our D. Blackheath and goalkeeper Nathan Bullens managed to keep a clean sheet throughout a barrage of Canterbury corners that followed. However with a few mins on the clock this was broken when Canterbury managed to finally finish a corner for a consolation goal. Final score 3-1 to BOE.

A series of terrific performance from everyone involved over a number of weeks was finally rewarded with a great win. Hopefully this positive momentum will continue and more wins will follow as the 1s seek to finish the season strong.

MOTM - David Lawrence