Senior Hockey Campaign Falls at the last hurdle

House Hockey 2011

The new format, with the whole competition being played in one day, left the Orchard short of Ryan Padley and Michael Guest this year. However the team did very well with members of Upper Sixth, Lower Sixth and O Block all contributing massively. A shaky start in the first group game (1-1 vs Latham) meant that we had to win the second game by more than 3 goals to qualify for the final. This was easily achieved in an 8-1 romp, destroying Cross with some great hockey. Head of House Frank Flight came off the bench to finish a fine team move after an immediate impact from Felix Waters and Dan Buckland. More goals came from Deputy Heads of House Greg Fearn and Declan Blackwood on top of others from Alesandro Congiu, Alex Smith and a hat-trick from Leo Watton.
Unfortunately the Orchard vs School House final was more competitive, finding ourselves 1-0 down after thirty seconds and then another goal down before the break. However, to our credit the team came out in the second half extremely determined, Leo Watton hitting the post early in the half, later converting a penalty corner to bring the game to 2-1. However we were once again denied silverware as the opposition packed the defence and slowed the game down.
A great show from the Orchard this year on the whole, with some great hockey which was both good to watch and enjoyable to be a part of.