2nd XI Hockey v Loretto

Won 7 - 1
Goals; Will Plowden x2, Angus Harley x2, Edward Wauton x2, Wills Younger.

I have just sent our outstanding 2nd team captain Jamie Macdonald to go and find out who our goal scorers were today. I was so mesmerised by some of the hockey played that I forgot to note down those who hit the ball in the goal.

I said at the end of the match that I can not recollect a better performance by any 2nd team hockey side I have coached at Belhaven Hill. This was because our opposition was a capable outfit and combative in the middle area of the field. They also had some strong backs who mopped up any uncontrolled threat we posed. When we dictated our attack patterns with good stick work, controlled dribbling and positioning, goals were scored a plenty.

From Harry through to our excellent goal scoring substitute Wills the team played with skill, determination and bundles of ability.

The back three of Jamie, Will Prenter and Antonio were almost impassable. They dealt very effectively with all but one threat which was cleverly glanced past Harry who also played his part making two or three excellent clearances.
In front of the defence Tom AW (playing by far the best hockey of his life) collected any loose ball and distributed very well to our halves. On the left, Edward battled hard and made good ground. In the middle Angus H and Tom W proved a vital “engine room”. Their contribution was outstanding both in defence and attack once they had taken on board some positional advice and had become more alert to quick free hits being taken by the opposition. Both challenged Will Plowden for man of the match but our superb right winger takes the “champagne” this week. He was brilliant and Peeky will have to think carefully before he selects his next squad.

Up front Kit and Rupert took a little time to adapt to the pace of proceedings but created havoc with their glanced passes or clever flicks.

The goals were all very well constructed and made me very proud to be regarded as some sort of influence on this band of very positive understudies to a very capable first XI.

Well done all of you. First class.

(Remember your gum guards next time you two! You know who you are!!!)

Liam Harvey, 11/02/2010