BLACKHEATH 'BROTHERS' BATTER BOURNEMOUTH

After an away day to forget at Winchester & a disappointing loss to THD at home last week, the BOE boys were looking to spring back to winning ways against fellow promotion side (Hampshire/Surrey League) Bournemouth who had started well with two wins and a draw plus a narrow 2-1 defeat to early league leaders and form team; Winchester.

Due to "unpredictable!?!!" traffic on the M25, the Bournemouth team arrived a massive 45 minutes after the scheduled pushback time but eventually got themselves sorted & the game got going.

We are blessed with two fantastic sets of brothers in our 1st Team Squad at Blackheath and both duo's took centre stage today with sibling magic appearing all over the pitch.

The first half performance by BOE was nothing short of fantastic with Tom Harden (Bro Magic) and Mike Benson dominating the tempo of the game from the back. This great start produced many chances but that final scoring touch was missing and the pressure did not yield the goals BOE deserved. BOE were running Bournemouth ragged and they were flagging. The team sensed the game was there for the taking so pushed hard for first blood but the goal wouldn't come. The home side were unable to take advantage of their dominance and the half time whistle went with the score still frustratingly held at 0 - 0. BOE had to be better in the D and reap the rewards of the hard work.

The half time huddle was full of positivity with all acknowledging that one goal would open the gates and bring many. Therefore converting an early opportunity in the second half would be crucial.

BOE were fired up and began the second half in the same manner as they finished the first banging harder than ever at the Bournemouth door. Eventually the Lawrence brothers (Bro Magic) combined superbly to win a couple of penalty corners, the second of which was converted with awesome accuracy by Chris Harden (Bro Magic) to give BOE the deserved lead. 1-0.

Only a few moments later Michael Lawrence (Bro Magic) deftly stole the ball near the centre of the field, looked up and fired a superb pinpoint pass to his younger brother in the D in acres of space (Bro Magic). David Lawrence cooly and gratefully converted the chance to give BOE a two goal cushion. (Bro Magic) 2-0

The home team continued to dominate proceedings and although the game got ragged with cards beginning to appear with an alarming frequency, BOE won another penalty corner which was buried powerfully yet again by Chris Harden (Bro Magic), to secure the vital three points.

An excellent all round performance from the team playing a great style of energetic, creative and attacking hockey which was enjoyed by the many loyal supporters watching.

The win lifts BOE to mid table with only 1 or 2 points separating 3rd to 7th place. An away fixture against bottom of the league Staines is next up but nothing will be taken for granted in this league as Staines only lost 2-1 to league leaders Winchester at the weekend. Nevertheless, three points on the road will move BOE right into the chasing pack behind the early pace setters. One senses BOE are beginning to find their feet and understand what needs to happen to get a win at this level. Onwards.

All still to play for.....