BOE travelled to Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club on Saturday to compete in their third away game in a row. With the disappointment of last week's draw against Burnt Ash still fresh, the team were keen to make amends and get back on winning form. A tough task against a team that gave us a close scare earlier in the season. Add to this the absence of a couple key players due to injuries sustained earlier in the week plus an old, tiring pitch combined with poor weather conditions and it was clear a tough, resolute and gritty away performance would be required to get the desired three points.

From the very start the game was wide open with neither team being able to control possession for significant periods. It was a war of attrition as the match developed into a tactical affair with BOE thankfully looking most likely to score on the break.

We managed to create some notable chances through the ever impressive Chris Harden and the dependable and talented Lawrence brothers but similar to the week before we were unable to convert these clear cut opportunities into goals. Additionally, the T Wells goalkeeper made some fantastic saves during this period and single handedly kept his team in the game throughout this period and beyond.

As the first half progressed however, BOE seemed to lack discipline and composure in defending in the press and were getting caught out on numerous occasions via the long ball. Tunbridge Wells were then able to gain some penalty corners towards the end of the half which threatened to break the deadlock but their efforts were superbly kept out by GK James Craigmyle and the defenders on the line to make it 0-0 at half time.

During the half time discussion it was noted much more was needed in order to get the desired result. More running and leading was needed from the midfield and the forwards really needed to help the defence, who were often being exposed at the back. Sort it out or kiss goodbye to the three points.

The second half brought a higher intensity from BOE and great pressing allowed us to control the game on the break as more space was being made on the flanks. Some great performances from Robert Hughes and Jake Owen at left and right half respectively allowed us to get break forward in around the back on numerous occasions. Within 10 minutes of the break Hughes was able to thread a superb pass into the D which deflected onto defenders foot and a penalty corner was awarded. Michael Lawrence dutifully converted with a disguised fast flick to the bottom left to continue a rich vein of Top of the Dee form in recent weeks. 1-0 BOE.

After the goal more of the same was applied and continued pressure from the front three forced the Tunbridge Wells right hand side to be exposed. Some superb play from Michael Lawrence and Roche brought a great save by the Wells keeper once again however two minutes later a similar passage of play brought David Lawrence a one on one (de ja vu situation from the week before) with the keeper which he Calmly converted to make it 2-0 to BOE.

The game seemed to have been won and BOE were controlling the game with some great chances from Chris Harden but once again we were being thwarted by the TWells keeper. However, as BOE began to tire the game did turn to T Wells favour in the final ten minutes. They managed to grab a goal back with 5 minutes to play and nerves begin to show. But, there was some resolute defending from the back five to keep it 2-1 up to the final whistle and a very well earned and hard fought win was achieved.

In what was a tough game against a good opposition. BOE worked as hard as they have done away from home all season to earn these three points. Not all games are going to be pretty and this one certainly wasn't. Nonetheless, this game was a true test which we managed to overcome with great fortitude. A lot of running and hard yards was made by the team earning a result that kept the distance between BOE the chasing pack in the league. The team are very much looking forward to the game against Ashford HC on Saturday to avenge the only defeat we have suffered this season. Bring it on.

Motm: Rob Hughes
Dotd: The bear who relieved himself In the woods