Local derby’s are never easy, and even harder when it is a team from your own club – you cannot get more local than that!
Coming off of a tight loss the previous week, the men’s 2’s were keen for a victory and another 3 points, if only to keep them in the promotion hunt in what is showing to be a tight league.
The M3’s on the other hand were keen to show their strength too and while they knew it was going to be a potentially hard game, they were also going to fight for the points.
Having the ball from the pushback the 2s controlled the play and waited to see how the 3s may react. Moving the ball quickly meant they held on well but couldn’t quite penetrate the 3s defense and had to show patience. This changed when nearing the 15 minute mark Ed Wildbore made a run to receive the ball outside the D to turn and take a strong raised strike as he crossed the line. Unfortunately the umpire decided that this was outside so disallowed the goal (replay is available to make your own mind up!). Not put off by this the 2s continued to push and the scoring account was soon opened by Mike Gamble with a close quarter strike in the D.
With continued pressure the 2s ended the half at 3-0.
Opening the second half, post team talk, the 2s tightened up play, having been a little too cavalier in the first half. This paid off when the play turned more into their favour and attacks were converted into chances, goals or penalty corners which were pressed further. Goals from Max Carter, Craig Ellis, Louis Breton, and Mike Gamble made the score 8-0 but it could have been higher if the 2s had been a bit more alert to their opportunities and the 2s hadn’t defended so hard. Several times bodies were put in the way to stop the 2s by the 3s and a goal line pick from Matt Pappin prevented Craig’s drag flick from going it to add to the tally.
A strong, controlled and structured performance from the 2s gaining a much needed 3 points.