Grey skies and a pitch so pristine it practically begged to be passed on set the scene as Lansdown M2 took to Dean Close, knowing it would be a good test against Stroud M2. Spirits were high and the hockey matched the setting, with the surface allowing both sides to move the ball quickly and with confidence. It was a particularly meaningful fixture for Captain Jamie, making a return to his old school and clearly relishing the occasion.
Lansdown made a strong start, playing positive, front-foot hockey from the off. The opening goal was a thing of beauty, with SBW producing a superb reverse-stick strike that flew home and rewarded the early pressure. It was a deserved lead and a sign of intent from a side looking sharp and well organised.
Stroud responded via a penalty flick after DPhil, in a moment of unfortunate heroics, inadvertently stopped the ball on the line with his knee. As DPhil received treatment, confusion briefly reigned when Captain Jamie jogged onto the pitch in his coat, eager to check on his teammate, only to discover he was actually being substituted on. No stick, no gumshield, just enthusiasm. Stroud duly converted the flick to level the scores.
Stroud then edged ahead with a slightly strange second goal, but Lansdown reacted in the best possible way, striking back almost immediately to restore parity. At 2–2 going into half time, the match was finely balanced and thoroughly entertaining.
The second half was an even contest, with both teams playing some excellent hockey. The most pleasing aspect of Lansdown’s performance was their composure, staying calm, positive, and connected even when momentum shifted. That quality really shone after Stroud took a 3–2 lead. Lansdown stuck together and produced one of their best team goals of the season, moving the ball quickly and effectively before Simon ghosted into the D to finish first time with real class.
With the scores level once more, Lansdown pressed hard for a winner, creating pressure and testing the Stroud defence, but just couldn’t quite find the decisive touch. The final whistle brought an end to an enjoyable, high-quality contest that felt like a fair reflection of the game.
A thoroughly positive performance, plenty to be proud of, and an excellent advert for team hockey.