The Men's 1st XI are quickly learning the greater demands of South Premier League hockey. After a tough away day last week, the team faced local South London outfit Tulse Hill & Dulwich who finished a very impressive third in this league last season.

The team showed a lot more organisation and commitment during the early phases of the first half with limited chances for both sides in a tight match. Eddy Forshaw was taking a grip on the play from the centre of the park and a number of penalty corners came and went for both sides but none were converted by either team.

As half time approached, BOE were complacent for a moment and switched off to allow the visitors to slip a goal in before half time.
0-1.

BOE came out in the second half knowing the next goal would be pivotal and were met by an experienced opposition who were on the same wave length and after the same objective. Unfortunately BOE could not keep hold of the ball and possession was continually turned over. We were lacking some quality with the final pass often going astray. THD were not so wasteful and made the final pass count by securing their second goal. 0-2

This belatedly rallied BOE who did manage to pull a goal back in the last 10 minutes of the game with Dave Lawrence finding some space at the far post to poke the ball in. 2-1. BOE pressed hard in the final minutes of the game but were unable to find an equaliser.

More lessons learned, more composure needed. Not a disrespectful score against one of the league's early front runners and an experienced South Prem side. But we need to be better and secure points. We have a great opportunity to make amends and put 3 points on the board next week with another home game against Bournemouth.

We go again.....