Won 7 – 4
Scorers: Harry Laslett x 3 / Kai Griffin / James Lane / Steve Laslett / James Cox
MoM: Harry Laslett
With thanks to team sponsor MSqu
The game was a true definition of a team coming together brilliantly, and producing some outstanding hockey! For the first half at least!
A league match against the side second in the league was the proposition but the whole squad rose to the challenge with the midfield creating some excellent chances for the two speed merchants up front. Harry and Kai worked hard to collect the opportunities fed to them by Steve, Dell, Jim and James C. The speed of the forwards clearly unsettled the opposition defence and by half time we had scored 5!
The second half saw the rotation come into play but James L and David slotted in and continued the good work of the first half. James hit the ball so powerfully for his goal that the keeper had no chance and the ball thumped into the net. Tony covered superbly well in the middle of the field whilst others took a breather. The defence were more involved in the second half as the average age of the squad started to have an effect; James L and Nick marshalled the attacks so well there was little to show for it…..but Blackheath did break the back four, once after a comical moment when the ball struck the post and a couple of short corners. It was clear to see why Blackheath were near the top of the league and could create chances quickly.
With the scores in the final quarter as close as they had been all match Steve calmly slotted a P flick after Harry had broken clear and was clearly obstructed whilst taking the shot.
The result leaves the Squires on top of the league – two more games before the Christmas break will challenge us but much talk revolves around the fear of promotion! With holidays, injuries and changing opposition next year not all is clear and the results may start working against us.
The tight knit squad will continue to work hard for each other and enjoy the post match banter in the bar!