New Penalty Flick taker required

A surprisingly hot day was upon us for Hockey Saturday, and a long trip to Aylesbury beckoned before us. We warmed up well upon arrival with clear intentions of starting the game with a high press and making sure we gave this strong team a run for their money.

We started the game well, with lots of pressure on their 16’s forcing them to aerial their way out leading to returned possession to us. However, they started out equally well, and the first 20 proved to be a muscle match resulting in Aylesbury leading 1-0 after a slick short corner routine.

After a bit more back-and-forth, a terrible tackle from their defender which would have looked better in an axe throwing competition resulted in a P-Flick. Up stepped Huw Thomas to take it. Unfortunately, he missed the mark after a good touch from the keeper edged the ball onto the post. 1-0 still.

Our redemption came in the final play of the half with an incredible bottom-left drag flick by Dean to level things before the break. 1-1.

The half time talk gave us a much needed boost and we took that into the second half with an added impetus. However, this Aylesbury side were a stubborn bunch and were hard to break down.

The decisive moment came about 10 minutes before the end of the game with another shocking tackle from another of their defenders resulting in a P-Flick (frustratingly, this call was blown from the Umpire right before Noel Plant scored a wonder goal). Up stepped Mr Thomas again. Would he get his redemption arc and claim the winning goal after boldly beating down other claims to take the shot? No. No, he would not. Another shoddy P Flick attempt went straight into the keeper and denied once more.

Unfortunately, after another valiant final few moments of the game with some exceptionally hard work, the deadlock could not be moved and the arm wrestle concluded as an unsatisfying draw for either team. A great performance overall from everyone with lots of positives to take into next week with Abingdon.

MOM - Toby/Santa
DOD - Huw Thomas

Teas: N/A - quick getaways to club night and other arrangements taken instead