Men's 1st XI go clear at the top.

BOE made the long journey to Canterbury on Saturday, confident from last weeks demolition of KA but also mindful that a slip up at Polo Farm would render last weeks hard work worthless.

With two injury drop outs leading into the game, BOE would only travel with 12, adding to this a traffic jam and commitments elsewhere for the Coach/GK it looked like we would be starting with 10, far from ideal.

Thankfully, with 10 mins to go until the start, our squad came together and we were ready. The tone of the match was set early with slick, fast and open passing around the back and into the midfield, chances were there but that clinical finish up top still wasn’t available.

With 15 mins gone a BOE short resulted in the first goal, Michael Lawrence stepping up to drag flick into the top of the goal, no chance for the keeper.

Quickly afterwards a David Lawrence run to the top of the D resulted in a crash of sticks and appeals all round. With Canterbury still questioning the decision, a quick thinking Michael Lawrence took full advantage, picking up the ball and running to the top left of the D before hitting a low reverse hit which the keeper could do nothing about, 2 - 0.

Half time came and with the score 2 - 0, the next goal would decide the pace and direction of the game.

The second half began much the same as the first, defence working the ball out and a patient build up through the midfield trio of Michael Lawrence, Jonny Bond and Richard Booth.

The third goal of the game came from another Penalty Corner drag flick from Michael Lawrence - hat trick hero (again!)

With 10 mins to go, another BOE Penalty Corner was charged down and a Canterbury counter attack lead to a consolation goal for them with their forward putting a shot low to the GK's right and just inside the post.

The game finished 3 – 1 and most importantly BOE remain top and clear with a massive game next week against Lewes at the Meadow. Some PPI will be needed if we are to continue this run of good form and try to extend the gap at the top. In the meantime – the view is sweet.

MOM - Freddie Foster - Fantastic at Left Half again today.
DOD - Mike Lawrence - he knows why…he knows why