5s attacking style continues

A game of two halves metrologically speaking; the first played under tempestuous skies and the second one of late autumnal balm. This is a fair reflection of the last two meetings of these teams. Last season's league match a dour stormy affair which Hawks ran out victorious, this a match that showed the bright attacking hockey that been the hallmark of the 5th's this season.

The opening half was however a close contest, much closer than the final score would infer. From the start Sonnings midfield worked hard to close down and contain Hawks and marshalled by Hadders, Max, Ed, Andrew and Dahn began converting pressure in to chances for Elliott jnr and Grant. Hawks themselves answered back showing a combination of wise old heads and speedy youth and came close in two attacks. It was left to Hadders to open the 5th's account following a penalty corner award. Still the match remained competitively balanced throughout the opening half despite Sonning adding a second through Ed following a well worked short corner, finishing a crisp passing move from Andrew. The pensive halftime mood was soon dispelled as Sonning quickly added a third and as pressure eased so by equal measure did the chances. As Elliott (jnr), Grant, Andrew, and a neat finish from Neil added to the tally; still the scoring return was small relative to the chances created as the partially redundant defensive union was helpfully pointing out. In response Kevin and Richard went on their own upfield excursions and even the right back was seen hobbling around in nosebleed territory much to everyone's bemusement not least his!

As a team performance and the overall effort this was right up there, underlined Elliot snr as the walking wounded making a valuable contribution. Passing was purposeful and fluid, conversion of chances the only area to require a better return.

A good result if somewhat harsh for Hawks who met a confident 5th's firing pretty much on all cylinders and with a full compliment available. Next time Sonning should anticipate they will have learnt from this experience.

By Paul Cutler