HEATHENS GO DOWN FIGHTING

BOE Heathens vs Canterbury 07/03/14, Lost 4-2.

On a sunny and inviting day, the mighty BOE Heathens travelled to Canterbury for a top of the table clash. This was going to be a tough encounter with Canterbury being unbeaten at home all season. With the assistance of Martin Harris who at the last moment helped out due to late drop outs, the Heathens, although wary, were not going to be intimidated. Canterbury started the game quickly and it was clear that this was a different team to the one that we had held to a draw earlier in the season. Some fine defending from BOE kept the oppo at bay for the first 10 minutes, however, Canterbury scored after much pressure on the BOE goal.

Nevertheless, the Heathens demonstrated their true fighting spirit and following a break down the oppo left, the ball came to Andy Moore who following a one - two with the Canterbury full back, dispatched the ball quite neatly into the bottom corner. All square and we were in the game. The first half ebbed and flowed with some fine tackling from Brett at sweeper. Although BOE gave the ball away far too easily, the score reflected the hard work being put in. Just before the half time whistle however, another quick break from Canterbury resulted in a another goal and BOE went in at half time 2-1 down.

The second half started with what I can only describe as an entirely different Canterbury team with numerous new player changes on top of the three they had already made during the first half. It was clear to all who saw that BOE would have a much harder task in the second half, especially up against at least 8 subs on the Canterbury bench. 2-1 quickly became 3-1 and 4-1 despite the best efforts of Roman in goal who notwithstanding now having to face drag flicks in the second half, kept each and every one out. BOE were able to add to the first half goal with an expertly dispatched shot from Brett from a penalty corner, however, the game ended 4-2. This was always going to be a hard game and Canterbury at times showed why they are top with plenty of quick and slick passing. MOM was Brett for his fine tackling, followed closely by Roman who had a fantastic game in goal. Special mention to both Martin and Paul who stepped up to assist us today.

Daniel Lewis