1st XI v Ardvreck

With no real idea of whether this team would be a cohesive unit, LC was quietly confident that the boys’ hockey would improve throughout this first match. And so it proved. After a very hesitant start consisting of weak passes, not competing for the ball and a general lack of awareness of where team-mates were, play gradually improved and everyone made a contribution.

 

Ardvreck had better shape to their game and were able to pass the ball swiftly and accurately that rather flat-footed Belhaven players. Without the huge work-rate of Jamie Farr, at centre half, Ardvreck would have made many more inroads into Belhaven’s 25.

 

As it was, the defence looked competent and, apart from having a tendency to mark in front of their man, Ross, Alexander and Mungo proved effective. Areas that require attention: a willingness to chase the ball, close down the attackers quickly and clear the ball with a bit of venom!

 

Midfield players are the power house of a team and they all worked hard. The realisation by those who had not played at this level before that energy reserves are quickly sapped as they have to chase up and down the pitch (sometimes with not even a sniff of the ball), was interesting to note. One boy pleading to be moved to the wing for a bit of relief: “I didn’t know it could be so tiring!”

 

Many attacks were made down the right (the best side to attack down) using Hugo, George and Jamie. George grew in confidence and began to realise that the backs have to be taken on and that passing the ball in to the circle too early negates many attacks. Hugo must develop his strength on the ball – he has vision but lacks the stick power to execute it at the moment. Angus subbed Hugo at half time and proved to be a strong contender for that position, defending well ad making some accurate passes. (Always good to have some competition within the squad!) Jamie F showed near-total control in the centre.

 

Meanwhile, on the left, Hughie and Sam plied their trade pretty well. Hughie showed some good stick skills and urged his team onwards by dint of hard work and commitment. Sam tore around the place, tired himself out but tackled well and shows promise. To improve he must be more confident on the ball and become more aware of where he is passing the ball to. A few inroads into the opposition’s 25 were made down the left and looked promising.

 

And so to the strikers – Jamie and Jock. Scoring goals is essential – well I believe this is so – to beat the opposition, and there were plenty of opportunities to do just this. Both Jamie W and Jock are speedy players but both lack that killer punch at the moment. With practice and quick reactions they will undoubtedly score goals this season (will you be eating your words later on? Ed) but they were definitely finding themselves in good positions to score. Running off the ball and getting behind the defence is a priority and when they get used to their role these two should provide the impetus needed in the circle.

 

Christian, padded up and armoured, was superb. Lightning fast reactions, bravery, a love of chucking himself in front of a shot makes him an outstanding asset to the team – without him, a few more goals would have been scored against us.

 

Although defeated, this team has potential. Early days but with a lot of hard practice and commitment to drills improvements will be made by all. Well done.