Unfortunately Magnums’ opposition Eastcote had to play with 10 after a player was stranded on the M25.

Even so, Magnums played with an unshackled verve, playing some sweet hockey.

There were hat tricks for Shami and Jatin but man of the match was Howard Claydon who not only played a selfless game but managed to score too.

Well done Magnums and great to keep a clean sheet too!

 

Following two weeks of postponements, M5s were back with a bang against top of the league.

The return to action was sweet as 5s despatched hosts Barnes 4s 6-0. Consistent attacking pressure from Southgate provided a steady flow of goals throughout the match, with Andy Cross and Haimish Patel grabbing their first goals of the season for the team. Special mention must go to the clinical Ivan Stark however, who scored two goals in each half, including 3 finishes from short corners. Barnes managed a couple of promising spells either side of half time, but in reality it was Southgate who looked the likelier to add more goals, as Sam Drury and impressive debutant Ruan Shah provided great supply into the D from the full-back positions.

 

Flagons went down 2-3 to a determined Tulse Hill side. In miserable conditions, Southgate began brightly dominating the visitors.

Sadly chances went begging and even after fighting to a 2-1 lead, Southgate eventually gave it away to lose in the last few minutes.

A gutsy effort from Sam in the middle, especially in the second half was complemented by solid work from Costa. Scott Brown got both of Flagons’ goals.

 

 

3As

Won 6-2 v Bishop Stortford 4s

Goals: Oscar Prior (2), Tom Murphy, Jackson Trathen, Ravi Chana and Matt Ellis

MoM:  Jackson Trathen

Early exchanges between the two teams were even but it was 3As that struck first with Jackson Trathen netting from a short corner routine. Southgate’s resolve was tested as Stortford scored both the next goals. The mood was lifted however with a game changing moment and highlight of the match coming in the form of a stunning Oscar Prior reverse stick hit from the top of the D to rattle the corner of the goal.

Ravi Chana set the tactics at half-time to keep tight in the middle when not in possession and target the opposition left back in the press. The result was Southgate turning over possession quickly and striking on the counter and controlling the game with goals from Ravi Tom Murphy, Oscar Prior and Matt Ellis.

Notable performances came from Josh Chandler, Joseph Soper, Jack Levene, Veysel Demir and Tom Murphy.

This victory sees the team climb to third and re-enter the promotion race with a pivotal match against fourth-placed West Herts on Saturday.

 

 

Tankards A

Result: Won 5-3 v West Herts 5

Goals: Alastair Whatley (2), Harry Grinham, James Keen & Will Hargrove

There were Tankards A debuts for Matt and Harry Grinham, Richard Higginson (who joins from Reading) and Alastair Whatley (who brought his goal-scoring ability with him).

Tankards scored first and looked in good control until shortly before the break when West Herts 5s converted a PC. Coming out into the second half Southgate score twice quickly before West Herts rallied as Tankards flagged and the score levelled at 3-3. Southgate managed to keep their cool and score twice more to seal the win.

 

 

Tankards Y

Result: Lost 6-2 v Bluharts 6s

Goals:  Chris Rouse (2)

MoM: Guy Garner

The visitors scored first within 10 minutes from a PC and despite Mark Thomsett and Jeremy Lavy’s best efforts the ball was given away too easily in the first half resulting in two further goals from crosses right wing to mid goal.

Chris Rouse spared first-half blushes collecting the ball on the right before moving left to score.   1-3 first half. The second half was lost by the same margin although Chris Rouse did manage a carbon copy of his earlier goal.

Guy Garner’s stick work and vision bagged him MoM and thanks go to Neil Prior for stepping in at the last moment to make up 11 players.

 

Tankards Z –

Result: Lost 6-0 to Welwyn Garden City 3s

MoM: James Findlay

Four goals flew during the first half as Tankards’ concentration lapsed.

With a change of formation in the second half Southgate started defending well and also created some chances but could not convert. Injury and a card depleted the team and WGC scored twice more.

James Findlay was voted MoM for his staunch defence.

 

East 5SW –         3As vs Bishop’s Stortford 4s              Won 6-2

East 6SW –         Tankards A vs West Herts 5s             Won 5-3

East 8SW –         Tankards Y vs Blueharts 6s                 Lost 6-2

East  8SW –        Tankards Z vs WGC 3s                         Lost 6-0