Men’s 3rd XI (nearly) draw with 2nd in league!
ABINGDON HOCKEY CLUB 3RD TEAM MATCH REPORT 6th March 2010
ABINGDON 1 2 WEST HAMPSTEAD
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE THIRDS GET STUFFED
West Hampstead, second in the league and beating all comers except Swans, were expecting to give us another thumping and found our resilience quite frustrating. They had all the possession but our defence is no pushover with both Petes, Dave and Richard closing them down quickly, sticking with them and getting in telling tackles. They never looked like scoring from open play and we always looked dangerous on the break. Halfway through the first half the Londoners had a shot from a short corner which Tony saved but the rebound went to one of their players who slotted home. Ten minutes later, however we came back with a breakaway and Stu equalised with a well struck rising shot from the edge of the area. The game continued much the same way in the second half until a harmless ball came through and Tony, instead of just shepherding it off, kicked it to a Londoner who scored. It was heartbreaking because we were holding them so well and they were showing signs of frustration. We were worth a point at least but worse was to follow. West Hampstead did not shower, went straight to the Boundary House and ate nearly all the food, leaving us just a couple of sandwiches. Still it is nice to have a good crowd turning up for food and a few pints
MAN OF THE MATCH : Stu, the fittest and most skilful player in the side whose passing is improving week on week and scored a brilliant equaliser.
THE BRICK : has to be Tony who played brilliantly until that last crucial senior moment.
Richard Smart
