Harrow 1st XI 2 – 5 Sonning 1st XI

Sonning arrived at Sudbury Fields to face Harrow 1st XI, coming off the back of their most convincing league win so far; a 5-1 victory against Oxford Hawks. Harrow however would surely represent a stern test, having won 5 leagues in their last 6 seasons as they made their way to MBBO Regional hockey.

Skipper Jonty Rider called upon a full complement of 15 players including Steve Crowther, who made his 1st XI debut, forcing his way into the side after repeated goal-scoring exploits for the 3rd then 2nd XIs. Pat Thomas also returned to the side after a brief stint in the 2nd XI. As ever, the call from player/coach Neil Pursell was to channel the energy and passion of the England rugby squad, who just hours prior had outmuscled and outfought the mighty All Blacks!

This was clearly heeded by Sonning’s front line, as the trio of Manser, Gallagher and Crowther hounded the Harrow defence from the first whistle. They forced an error early on, as Gallagher pounced on a loose first touch by the Harrow centre back, stealing possession and feeding Crowther to drive towards the Harrow baseline. In some excellent link up play, Crowther found Manser at the top of the circle, who struck a high, powerful shot. Crowther showed a strikers instinct by continuing his baseline run all the way to the post, and deflecting in from close range. It took just a little over 2 minutes for him to open his 1st XI account! 0-1.

Conceding an early goal clearly shocked Harrow into life, and within 10 minutes they had equalised, then taken the lead. Both goals came from an overload through midfield, as Harrow’s playmaker was able to beat a man and get into the circle. 1-2.

Sonning however remained calm and had no trouble getting back into the game. Nick Leach bagged himself two goals before half time, both from slick penalty corner routines, to see Sonning go in ahead by a nose at the break. 2-3.

The second half saw Sonning take the game by the scruff of the neck and extend their lead quickly. First Huw Thomas bagged his second goal of the season, finishing from close range after some neat work by Manser. Then Crowther got himself a second goal, with another deflection, this time from a Gallagher strike. 2-5.

With the result all but assured, and the weather deteriorating, the last 15 minutes of play became a bit scrappy. Harrow’s lack of subs and one dimensional play, saw them drop off the pace and Sonning were content to sit slightly deeper and absorb pressure. They closed out the game comfortably and with other results going their way they now sit 1 point from the league summit.

Next up, Sonning host Milton Keynes at the Doom Bar Arena (12:00 start), who this week dispatched Wycombe comfortably with a 5-1 win. #COTN

Squad: Richard Smith, Neil Pursell, Jonty Rider, Matt Sloper, Nick Leach, Patrick Thomas, Ian Finlayson, Ed Williamson, James Lockhart, Callum Richardson, Jon Sharp, Ian Gallagher, James Manser, Steve Crowther, Huw Thomas

Goalscorers: Steve Crowther (2), Nick Leach (2), Huw Thomas

MOTM: Steve Crowther

DOTD: Huw Thomas