Men's O40's XI
Matches
Sat 14 Jan 2017  ·  MBBO Open League - Division 9
Sonning Hockey Club
Men's O40's XI
5
2
Bicester [4] Development
The gods look favourably on the Mighty7s

The gods look favourably on the Mighty7s

Andy Staig18 Jan 2017 - 08:03
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I love it when a plan comes together

I've been watching the story of Ragnar Lodbrok on Amazon recently and like the vikings, I felt that today the gods were with us today.

We ran a team survey last week and one of the themes coming through was a lack of shape during the game caused by our rolling substitutions. So this week I laid down the law. You are either a forward, a midfielder or a defender. As a forward, you can only sub with a fellow forward, and you should aim to return to your original starting position. Only time would tell if the tactics would work.

I quickly earnt the DOTD, starting the game with my trackies still on and being on the side line for the first Bicester attack with my shirt over my head - where are the midfield when you need them?

Our first goal was from a surprisingly well executed short corner and a cracking hit by Dave. Wow, the gods really are with us. This was followed not that long after by some great play and I'm sure everyone heard the celebration following Simon's maiden 7s goal to take us to 2-1 at half time. We were in buoyant mode and there was a real sense that a win was on the cards, if we held it together - the team did not disappoint.

In the second half, we continued to push forward and our passing game came together - it was almost magical. The offense buzzed around the D and it was only a matter of time before Lewis struck one towards the goal, with Michael tapping it in, just to make sure.

Unlike last week, the midfield had much more command of the centre of the pitch and we managed to blunt many of the Bicester attacks and a swift counter-attack saw Michael play round the keeper for his second of the day. It didn't always go our own way, and although Bos was having a great game, Bicester managed to get one back.

Dave got his second deserved goal at the end of time short corner to finish the game with a great 5-2 Mighty7s victory.

Bicester are a good team and to get such a good win with a proper 7s team just shows how much we have come on over the season - and the tactics worked! It was a brilliant team effort and keeps us on track for a mid-table position before the league is split for the final games.

MOTM: Dave Latimer (2 great short corner goals and great overall defensive play)
DOTD: Andy Staig (Wardrobe malfunction)

Next Saturday we travel to Eastcote for a late 1630 PB and a must win match - please try and make yourself available - anyone wants a game or knows anyone who does, please get in touch.

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Jan 2017

Kickoff

13:30

Competition

MBBO Open League - Division 9

League position

8
Sonning 7
11
Bicester [4] Development
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Kit sponsor - Eight Wealth Management