U11 v Craigclowan

Today’s match at Hallhill was a rather one-sided affair but will hopefully have been a bit of a learning experience for the team.

 

Craigclowan put out one of the stronger U11 teams that I have encountered over the years, and we found it difficult to gain a foothold in this match. It wasn’t long before they had scored, and two more goals followed in the first half. At one stage it looked as though it might become a rout and it was a bit of a relief when the first half dragged to a close.

 

At half time I had some stern words for the boys. Yes, it was clear that we were facing a strong opposition, but that was no excuse for insipid play, hangdog countenances and lack of heart. I gave the boys two options: continue playing the same way and go back to school embarrassed and with no semblance of pride (in which case they could coach themselves for the remainder of the season); or dig deep, show some resilience and spirit, and fight for the ball at every chance, thus returning to school, irrespective of the result, with the satisfaction of knowing that they could not have done any more.

 

I am pleased that the team leaned more towards the second option in the second half. Indeed, they managed to keep Craigclowan at bay for three quarters of the half and even had a couple of good scoring opportunities themselves. Tackles were a bit more tenacious, passes a bit more precise and 50 / 50 balls fought for. Eventually Craigclowan did score one more goal and that meant that the final score was 4 – 0.

 

We clearly have a lot to learn and certain skills were shown to be lacking today; this we can, and will, work on and I repeat my conviction that we have the ability to be a decent hockey team. I only hope I will not have call to repeat the sentiments of my half-time talk, this season.

 

M.O.T.M. Wilf – whose fighting spirit was in evidence for the full 40 minutes.