Mens 2nd Team Vs Coalville

What a difference a week makes!

After last week's relatively poor performance we knew we needed to be on top form and, fortunately, we were. With good availability and strong competition for places in the 1s, we welcomed Phil Bowerman for his first 2s match of the season and Andy's late withdrawal through illness was covered by new club member, Ben Docherty, who's transfer sneaked through on the morning of the game (phew!); both of these meant that we didn't miss the absent Ewan or injured Elliot too much, even though Ben hadn't played a league match since April.

Pre-match entertainment was thoughtfully provided by stand-in skipper Scott "Eric" Hackworth who got to Coalville to discover he'd forgotten his shorts. Fortunately, Tibbsy's parents still live a stone's throw from Coalville's pitch, so a pair of his dad's super-tight (white) 80's football shorts duly arrived - unfortunately you can't 'un-see' things once you've seen them.

As far as the hockey goes, a much better performance. Coalville looked to be missing a couple of players, but we were on great form. An early goal settled us down & we stuck to our task well, limiting them to a couple of half chances which were quickly closed down & creating plenty ourselves - including an audacious chip over the on-rushing keeper by Lewis which Bowerman helped the last inch or two over the line! 3-0 at half time (I think) but this time we knew the job wasn't done and, despite Pirate hobbling around the back on 1.5 hamstrings, we kept it fairly tight and pushed on for two more goals to close the game out & leave us top of the table.

A great performance, and perfect warm up for New Joiners where Paul's stomach demonstrated the stereotypical French 'early surrender' - but to his credit, he showed strong resistance and came out victorious in the end!

Another tough game coming up this week, another top of the table clash, this time against Nottingham Uni - 1.30 at the Bay, all support welcome.