HEATHENS PLAY THE WAITING GAME TO WINNING EFFECT

The Heathens have cultivated a style of play that has bred confidence amongst the side. Masterminded by Danny Lewrinho the side start out playing solidly, concentrating mainly on thwarting the opposition and absorbing pressure for the first 10 minutes of a game. They believe that even while under pressure all they have to do is hold out and the game will turn. As the opposition lose their momentum and weaknesses in their lines are detected the Heathens collectively step up a gear and begin playing a more expansive game. On Saturday this resulted in a hat full of missed chances against an Old Bordenians side that succumbed to the pressure. Their fallback made a first half mistake in the D that was pounced upon and neatly dispatched by roving centre forward James H. A lesser umpire would have blown but a well observed advantage by Ders B, our official for the match, enabled BOE to go one up after 12 minutes.

The control exerted by the back line and the profligacy of the attackers was reflected in the man of the match nominations. The entire back row of Rhys, Adrian and Brett would have been worthy winners but the accolade was scooped convincingly by Jonny Lewis who marshaled his compatriots and held out resolutely denying the opposition all but a couple of chances.

In the second half as BOE peppered the opposition keeper and the fence behind the opposition goal, Will Powell managed to convert an effort with a smattering of good fortune. The otherwise exemplary keeper jumped out of the way of an effort he thought was going wide. It wasn’t and Will bagged a goal that was just reward for a sterling game that had him defending and attacking in equal measure.

There are experienced heads in the squad who have chased titles before and while stiffer challenges await the teams 2nd position in the league looks thoroughly justified.