Boys' Hockey: U11a v Merchiston

U11a v Merchiston

A slightly different team again this week, some players lost to the seniors and one still injured. A more relaxed warm up was had, no gum shield incidents to report thanks to Mr Barrett’s eagle eye on departure from school. The game started with rather scrappy play as the boys adjusted to their positions. Merchiston managed several forays into an empty D leaving an open goal as Henry had to commit to the attacker. Thankfully, Hugo sprinted to save the ball on the line more than once. The ball was moved narrowly up the middle of the pitch leading to ping pong play. Eventually, after a few of our own attacks, a goal was scored.

At half time the boys were reminded to go in for tackles, not to stand and watch, to take a shot as soon as they got in the D and to pass into space or to our own players.  It was evident that some of it went in! The second half was a much more dominant performance from us. The boys moved the ball much faster up the pitch, particularly Saul who’s quick 16s were the start of a few successful plays into the D. Pedro and Hugo took heed of the half time chat and started hitting the ball cleanly from the edge of the D resulting in several goals. Although there was still some ping pong play, the boys were trying to look up to make a pass and did at times go wide. This allowed for a cross along the baseline to Johnny who picked up the ball in front of goal to score after a quick turn. The time ran out just as Merchiston won a short corner. The boys defended well and forced the ball off the back line. A clean sheet was kept.

Final score:  7-0 to Belhaven Hill.

Scorers: Pedro, Hugo and Johnny