M4 vs Evesham & Badsey M2
Draw 2-2
MOM: Joey
DOD: All the non-shows for teas
This week…better ( i.e. a slightly disappointing draw).
It was a lovely day to play hockey. Sun was out, although bit on the chilly side and 13 in the team, including Tom A (tall Tom) who was returning from university for a starring role and we had Hayden umpiring (another returner from University) always great to see them and catch up. Expectations for this game, hmmm, the league position of Evesham suggested that we would have to play well to get a result.
So, team talk, I think mentioned or said passing a fair few times and when we started we really looked the part. It was lovely fluid passing hockey that from the back which Alex and the defensive line much admired and it worked, we created chances without actually getting shots on target – now may have said that about M4’s play before. It was some what of a surprise and a wake-up call when Evesham got the ball that the defence suddenly were called into action, we coped and at ½ time it was all square and the confidence to score was high.
We started in the same vain and when ‘Pistol’ Pete slotted a PC under the keeper it was on. That’s not say Evesham weren’t threatening but is was mainly on the break taking advantage of our attacking play leaving gaps at the back. Our revamped mid-field of Joe, Ollie and Tom looked good and did those lateral passes which make Hockey look easy. Joey and Ethan were getting down the flanks and feeding Justin, Fin and Raoul who were dealing with the physical aspect in attack. Another PC well struck by Pete – saved, shot – saved, shot – blocked and Ethan picked up the loose ball and from wide right crossed and Ollie tapped in, 2-0. Tobias had a chance to make it 3-0 as he went on mazey run from ½ way and the shot was just wide.
Now a little wind went out of sails in the last Qtr. Evesham scored from a well worked PC to bring up 2-1 and they were the better team, our passing and intensity dropped which allowed a break away move and the equaliser with literally the last hit of the game.
Disappointed with the draw yes but pleased with how we played for ¾ of the game and we didn’t lose!
So enjoy Easter and back for the last two games both against higher placed teams but teams we have beaten this season.
MOM: Joey – fantastic effort and good skills in midfield
Honourable mentions: Michiel – making left back his own!
DOD: All those who didn’t come back for teas (exceptions made for those who had a valid excuse!)