Sonning 3s vs Milton Keynes 3s

A week on from the victory over West Hampstead and the 3s stepped onto the hallowed astro turf at Fortress Sonning confident in their ability to extend their unbeaten start to the season. The talk in the dressing room before the game focused on the need to keep our heads and dictate the tempo of the game. Everyone felt that the game was ours to win if we played as we had in the two previous weeks. Alex Littleboy made his return to the 3s, with the rest of the team personifying consistency in terms of selection.
After a slight delay caused by some Sat Nav issues for 4 of the Milton Keynes squad (the journey between Reading and Sonning hockey clubs taking a full 20 minutes), the game started and Sonning set about dictating the pace of play, winning some early short corners, which for the first time this season did not lead to a goal. The half was categorised by O’Mara turning the ball over almost every time he had the ball (or was it just twice?! – no one is sure).

The new look defence of Tufty, Peter and Gaz were transferring the ball well and were able to nullify the attacks which did find their way into the Sonning D. Half time arrived with the scores at 0-0 (although how Sonning’s inspirational leader failed to convert an open goal opportunity remains unknown at the time of writing). The half time team talk was a positive one, keep playing the same way and the chances will come and we will convert them.

The breakthrough eventually came early in the second half. A ball into the D eluded a number of defenders before falling to Tonks. He took the ball to the right of the keeper and flicked a finish into the far corner. Sonning were ahead and were fully deserving of their lead.
As the half progressed Sonning created more chances but failed to convert. There was a feeling that another goal would kill the game off. Eventually it did come. A good break into the D ended with Toon, lightly caressing the ball with his reverse stick towards the goal. Both the defender and goalkeeper on the line contriving to let the ball over the line. Reports that the ball was travelling so slowly it actually stopped between the goal line and back board have so far not been confirmed. The game was finally wrapped up in the final minute. A 7 pass move starting at right back was finished at the near post by Tim Preston to take his goal tally to 5 through 3 games.
The 3-0 victory meant that Sonning were sole inhabitants of the top spot in the league for a few hours and this was savoured post game by all those involved.

MoM: Peter Orchard: Stellar performance at centre back

DoD – Captain Tonks: Various reasons including a stupid post comment about results and a high pitched scream after getting hit in the D.