So, the last outing of the year away to Hertford 3s on a good pitch under grey skies and with a chill in the air. The first thing to note is that our team was made up entirely of players either under 18 or over 45! This actually worked well with a mature spine and a exuberantly active pair of flanks! The game started in slightly frantic tones, neither side lacking effort but certainly lacking poise and composure. Slightly against the run of play we broke and Aryan scored from a tight angle with a good finish. About 10-15 minutes later they levelled things and the first half finished as it started with a lot of huff and puff and not much product. At the break we resolved to play sharper and to keep the ball. Five minutes later stand in Captain Hargrove made a wayward pass at the back and they were in. Nothing Commons in goal could do. This was now going to be make or break. From here we played amongst our best team hockey of the year. The ball pace went up and there was a real patience and desire to move the ball. Next goal, to level things, was a superb finish from Yuvraj who sat their (very good) keeper down and flicked over him. At 2-2 it was a good contest. The next two goals were both from great team movements with Simon finished and then to seal the deal Aryan closed the scoring as he had opened it.
Neil Commons was assured in goal with several good saves. Will Hargrove – baring his gaff for their second had a decent game alongside the clear Man of the match James Rushton who will be appearing in their centre-forward’s nightmares tonight – Rushton was matador like in steering them away from goal. Also at the back we had Laurence Taylor – composed and compact and near faultless, Aidan Commons – in his first game for 4As did well moving the ball on and Aman Chhaya who must have done many miles up and down the flank to great effect. In midfield, especially in the second half we dominated through Ali Priestley, Kyle Shah, Aryan Chhana, Andy Robertson & Simon Holmes – all of whom gelled well and kept the ball. Kyle Shah would surely have been an MOM candidate had Rushton senior not dominated the votes. In the forward line Felix Rushton, Alex Prior &Yuvraj Sohanpal all made good runs and created chances. With that the season (positive on wine/losses) has ended.
Hertford were good hosts and played in good spirits – a well umpired game and enjoyable end to the season.