Match Reports

Select a match report

Wednesday 11th March 2009

SUMHC 4th XI 5 – 0 SUMHC 3rd XI

Gilf (2), f, Jailbait (2) f, PC, Cockfosters, f.

Wednesday 11th March is a day that will live long in the memory of the 4th XI after a stunning 5-0 demolition of their higher-rated club rivals at Fortress Goodwin. A display of total hockey from a threadbare 4th Team left the 3rds floundering in the spring sunshine, as superior training, fitness and discipline saw five goals scored without reply.

Things didn’t look so promising before push-back with a mass of squad unavailability leaving the 4s to field Captain Heatseeker in goal, centre-forward Blazin’ in central defence and Gilf and Cockfosters having to make their debuts after long spells on the sidelines. This left the squad with a bare 11, and pitted against a full squad plus subs from their opposition, the 4s could have been forgiven for starting shakily. However the famous ‘4th team spirit’ kicked in straight from the off and the boys in black in fact started the stronger side, passing the ball crisply and accurately and using the wide players to create early opportunities.

Angry Pirate was imperious in the middle and he was involved in some good build up play that won the side an early Penalty Corner, which saw a well-executed drag flick from Captain Planet well saved by Tango in the 3s goal. This signalled the start of an extended spell of pressure from the 4s and Redwings went close on numerous occasions, as Cockfosters and Barney ran the opposition defence ragged in and around their own D. At the other end Urn battled in vain against a strong, high 4s defensive line of Blazin’ and Planet, and his effort which flashed wide of the goal from the top of the D was all the 3s had to offer in the first period.

As the half wore on, a lead for the underdogs became inevitable and the first goal was eventually converted by COCKFOSTERS who pounced on a rebound off keeper Tango after some great close passing in the D. The 4th team built on this advantage and doubled their lead soon after with another close range strike, this time from JAILBAIT, whose skills were all too much for a tired looking 3s defensive unit. It all seemed too good to be true for the mighty 4s, who were winning free hits and long corners at will, but yet further pressure won them another Penalty Corner on the stroke of half-time which brought the all decisive 3rd goal. The men in black executed a perfect ‘Smitty special’ routine, with the ball being slipped coolly right by Planet to Blazin’ who delivered a pinpoint centre for Planet to in turn divert the ball into the path of JAILBAIT who stroked in his second goal from inches out.

Amazingly for the onlookers it was 3-0 to the 4s at the break. Despite the building elation, a stern team talk from Heatseeker, who had yet to be called into action in the 4th team goal, made sure the team didn’t start the 2nd half with any complacency and the team slipped swiftly back into the smooth passing hockey they had played in the first half. Barney, who seems to be improving every game, was leading the hapless 3s defence in a merry dance, and Village Idiot and Redwings worked the flanks tirelessly as the 4s looked to put the game to bed.

However, half time had obviously been a wakeup call for the higher team and they gradually began to build pressure resulting in a number of Penalty Corners. Once more though the 4th teams defence shone as they dealt with every routine the 3s could offer, including some notable keeping from Heatseeker, a player usually accustomed to an attacking role at the other end of the field.

With the 3s being denied at every opportunity, they began to get frustrated with the superior skills of their opposition, the umpiring and themselves and this left them wide open for some sharp counter-attacking from the 4s. One such monumental break saw the ball travel from left back to right wing in 4 swift passes, and the resulting ball in left GILF with a clear goal to shoot at putting his team 4 goals to the good. It was GILF again who added another goal soon afterwards after some good work on the left by Silverwings after a broken down free hit, and the 3s were left pleading for the final whistle as the 4s confidently kept the ball right until the last minute. With minutes to go Barney somehow managed to miss a gilt-edged chance after a huge aerial ball up the right from Planet but thankfully the game was already won.

The end of the match was greeted with scenes of jubilation for the 4ths, who can be proud of simply outclassing the 3s with a calm and collected performance of aggressive, flowing hockey. A matter of a point well proven for the men in black, who can now look forward a strong finish to the season.

MOTM: Pirate/Blazin – a joint decision, Pirate ran the show from the middle of the park, whilst Blazin’ slotted in well in an unfamiliar position in central defence.

DOTD: Barney – For a huge late miss which could have made the victory even sweeter.

Our Sponsors