Senior Boys' Hockey News 

1st XI v Craigclowan

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Result

Belhaven	2		Goal Scorers:	Henry Roberts	2
Craigclowan	1

Colours awarded to:    Archie Rettie

What a match this afternoon! Those watching, chilled by a prevailing icy blast, must certainly have been warmed by the standard of hockey both teams produced but especially that demonstrated by Belhaven.

Craigclowan certainly provided spirited opposition and Cap Archie had to communicate quite urgently on many occasions to rally his team and organise the defence - this he did extremely well. The team responded well to his urgings and what is so encouraging is that this is a team of players who realise that their team mates are there for support and are used as such.

Thus the patterns of play developed nicely. The first half belonged to Belhaven and for the majority of it play was kept in Craigclowan's half. As usual the right side of the field was exploited by Douglas, Andrew,George and Caspar, all of whom communicated well with each other and showed good stick skills and retention.

From one of these many forays into Craigclowan's circle a penalty corner resulted. Douglas injected, Tom Stods controlled it whilst Henry sped towards the left post. Tom then had just enough time to fire it at goal before the Craigclowan defence were upon him and, although the ball was missing the target, found Henry who deftly deflected it past the keeper. Relief all round as the contniued pressure realised a goal.

With the ball so often on the right, Henry and Freddy found themselves with acres of space but unable to exploit it as still the team finds it difficult to react quickly enough to circumstances. Despite pleas by Archie to use the 'pivot' it was not until the latter stages of the first half that the right field players realised left field was open and did something about it!

Belhaven did not, despite impressions given above, have it all their own way and Craigclowan had some useful players whose individual skill encroached Belhaven's circle. The backs and halves had their work cut out and it is owing to the three backs, Leo, Archie and Ali, that all of the first half attacks were snuffed out and cleared away. Poor Olly, kitted out in his armour, did not have to make many saves (though he may think he's lucky!) and the team have the backs to thank for that.

Each back has different techniques but Leo's sweeping power, Archie's guile and superb tackling and Ali's awarenes keep the 23m area pretty safe - so far! Add to that George's and Freddy's speed of running back to defend (and producing good tackles at the end of their run-back), our defence looks to be fairly competent.

Henry bagged his brace by being on the left post again during another attack into Craigclowan's circcle and that sealed the first half. The second half saw Craigclowan more determined and individual players showed their skills to penetrate our defence, putting pressure on our circle.

Then a rather odd incident took place just before Craigclowan's goal was scored. The coach decided to exchange a couple of players at a hit in; those players trotted off to be replaced. But meanwhile the hit-in had been taken and of course we had two players out of position. A defensive pass was intercepted and despite Olly's diving the reverse sweep shot at goal found its target. The coach has been roundly reprimanded and told to sort out his replacement timings pronto!

The two replacements, George Innes Ker and Dougal orsyth, showed they are more than capable for 1st Team selection. It is good news that the squad has grown to 13 as it gives more options for various types of play and allows for tactical substitutions. All in all a very good performance and, with a weekend in, a couple of extra practice sessions will be invaluable to hone those skills. Well done all of you.

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