2s DO THE DOUBLE OVER THE 3S

Just like the first match the game didn’t disappoint and was full of drama and excitement. There are 20 points and 6 league places between the two teams but all that was put to one side as a ‘cup match style fever’ took over and an unpredictable ‘anything could happen’ mood prevailed. The 3s were facing the ‘top of the table’ form team and their approach was pitched accordingly. This ‘form’ team just happened to be their stable buddies and good pals so stern glares replaced happy smiles in this unusual contest.

The 3s certainly wanted to make the 2s work for their result. On paper this was an odds on win for the 2s but the 3s have proved on many an occasion they can beat anybody in this league. However their inconsistency has proved their downfall swerving from the sublime to the ridiculous at various points in the season.

It’s fair to say the 2s were somewhat flattered by the scoreline which doesn’t tell the whole story but it’s goals that count and the bottom line is they scored more than us. Nevertheless the 3s played well for huge parts of the game and can come away with a lot of positives.
For a start the 3s began much the better team. Piling pressure on the 2s defence straight from the off. The lightening speed of Colegate, Powell, Wickenden and Goldsmith was scaring the 2s ‘measured’ back line and they caused havoc as they consistently beat them for pace. David Golbey at CH was rolling back the years proving he wasn’t in the 1st XI for many years for no reason. It was no surprise to the 3s when they deservedly took the lead 10 mins in with a superbly ‘poached’ goal by Will Powell. Several good and consistent D penetrations ended with an uncharacteristic mistake by the 2s CB which let in the ever alert and speedy Powell to sweep the ball into the goal. 1-0 to the 3s and the cat was amongst the pigeons. Full of self belief the Mighty 3s regrouped to go again.

To their credit the 2s came back fast and furious. They were kept at bay for another 10 mins with some superb saves from MotM Sam Hannon but a bit of ping pong in the D after some valiant defending saw the 2s score a scrappy soft goal. 1-1. This gave the Oppo momentum but the 3s pushed hard to snatch back the lead with strong forays down the wings. However, a mistake and a turnover in a key position left the 3s defence exposed and a quick counter attack down their right saw the ball swept across the D for a tap in to take the lead. 1-2. The 3s were very much in this game and played some of their best hockey all season in a very tight half of high octane hockey. HT whistle blew and time to take stock.

The next goal would be crucial and although the 3s began the second half well coming extremely close to an equaliser with the ball flashing straight across the goal mouth inches beyond the diving Jack Colegate the vital goal unfortunately fell to the 2s. It was a Comedy of Errors goal not really befitting the game and belied the superb shift the returning Johanson Edwards had put in at CB. A goalmouth skirmish gave him the ball and 99 times out of 100 he would’ve coolly dispatched it out of danger but on this occasion his body, hands and feet decided to move independently of each other. He got tangled and duly flicked it into his own goal. A disappointment but now it was do or die for the 3s. 10 minutes left to get something out of the game. The Mighty 3s don’t do rollovers or give ups or bus parking. They go for it. As is often the case (T Wells anyone?!) when you push on looking for a result it ends in glory or 3 becomes 5 becomes 7 down etc… The 2s found the gaps and hit the 3s with two clinical counter attacking goals. The 2s superior fitness and ball pace in the midfield during the last 10 mins gave them the important edge and propelled them to a 1-5 victory.

It was a great effort from the 3s who must take this excellent verve, approach, attitude and application into every game from now on. Raise the bar and make each fixture a ‘top of the table’ clash.

Big thanks to Umpires David Wells and Martin Harris (MH being assessed for his L1 and passing with flying colours) who handled the game very well.