Boys' U16B v Trent

Date: Thursday 21st January

Venue: Home, 2.30pm

Team:

Jopson, Variava, Chandler, Martin, Jones, Howard, Hugill, Hyde-Barker, Carlile, Prutton, Sunner, Leese, Cole, Watson

Result: Lost 4-1

Match Report:

So far this year the weather had thwarted any attempt to play competitive hockey, so our fixture against our close rivals Trent was to be our season opener.

As the game got underway it didn’t take long for Hugill and Chandler to take charge of any Trent attacks down the middle. This frequently led into Repton Counter attacks with Carlile leading from centre forward; however in the final third of the pitch the Repton attack failed to make use of the possession. This gave Trent the advantage when pressing forward as our desire to win and score caused us to somewhat over commit in attack. Chandler, Variava, Hugill and Morris constantly ensured that if a last second tackle could be made to save us from going 1-0 down it was. Unfortunately as we slowly battled away Repton’s play became a little narrow and we failed to clear our lines giving the ball to Trent’s quick centre forward who slotted one past Jopson in goal. Faith however was resorted shortly after, just before Half – Time when our attack pressed Trent back into their D and we secured a short corner. Chandler stood up to take charge and powerfully placed the ball into the corner to take us into Half Time at 1-1.

In the Second half Repton played for most of it as the better side using the width to better effect, allowing Cole and Howard to find space and carry the ball forward. However, as the game progressed Trent started to take charge making it difficult for us to clear our lines and get the ball out of defence. This in turn led to passing mistakes and over dribbling, giving Trent constant chances. Repton’s goalkeeper Jopson managed to keep us in the game making a number of unbelievable double saves until Trent managed to squeeze one through the defences that had stood strong for so much of the match. In Reptons attempt to press forward and force the play to find an equalizer we left ourselves over exposed and Trent capitalised scoring twice more.

Overall there are a lot of positives to take out of the game and build upon, but the boys should be pleased with their performance considering the hindrances the weather has caused us in preparation.

Final Score: Repton 1 – Trent 4