Boys' U15A v Hall Cross

Date: Tuesday 2nd March

Venue: Home. Start 1545. Meet 1520.

Team: HEWITT, LLOYD, COSFORD, WRINCH, SENTANCE, COLEMAN, SMITH (C), CONGIU, WATERS, BUCKLAND, GOUGH, LANE, LEAVER, MOSS

Result: W 7-0

Match Report:

This was not pretty hockey, but it was "job done" on the day. In the first half, Hall Cross barely made it into our half: the possession was mostly ours and the defence and midfield mostly passed sensibly and unselfishly; it was just up front that we lacked clinical finishing. It speaks volumes that this criticsm applies in spite of our being 5-0 up by the break.

Alex Smith had an excellent game, especially in the first half, unleashing some fiercesome shots on target, as well as passing and moving with intelligence. Luke Cosford dominated the back line, cutting out the rare Hall Cross attacks with relative ease.

In the second half, the game was more even, with Hall Cross bringing on a super-sub who changed their dynamic. Hewitt was even forced to make a couple of touches, the second a spectacular full-length dive to keep out an otherwise certain goal. Gradually, however, we reasserted ourselves on the game and scored a couple more, including a hat-trick for Fraser Lane.

Many thanks to Chris Seddon for umpiring and providing the tactical nous.

JMJH

Goals: Lane (8, 12, 50), Gough (15, 25), Buckland (20), Waters (40)