RUMBLED BY RUSSETS

This was not a performance befitting the talent and potential of the BOE U16s. The lads are good but certainly not as good as they think they are especially when they play as individuals and not as a team. BOE were undone by a team who wanted it more and played simple hockey. The U16's never really turned up for this game and it showed.
A lack of desire, poor team cohesion, bad communication, unacceptable dissent, a touch of complacency, an unhealthy slice of arrogance and laziness all came together to create a recipe for disappointment. Admittedly half term commitments deprived the team of a number of key players but that was no excuse for the half hearted effort from many. With some players missing it was an opportunity for others to shine and show what they're made of but this challenge wasn't grasped. Far more commitment is needed and an increased work rate off the ball if games are to be won.
It had started well with BOE going 2-1 ahead but sloppy defending saw the lads draw level before conceding a whopping 3 goals in 5 mins before half time. Heads dropped after each goal, dissent crept in with the Captain inexcusably receiving a yellow for his chat.Not good. 5-2 down at half time.
The second half saw a little improvement with one or two players upping their game but the team weren't up for it and the extra gear needed to get back into the game never kicked in. The lads need a serious word with themselves and will need to put in a much better performance next week vs Holcombe or will succumb to another loss.