M2's Edge Opening Pre-Season Game Vs Basingstoke 2's

A brief 5 months since last season ended, we were back on the pitch after a great summer of Roll Up and Mixed Hockey. Basingstoke 2s, who we met through their mixed league were keen for a friendly and on a warm bank holiday Saturday, we were happy to oblige.

It was great to be back with the lads after such a long time, and confidence was high after a good off-season with lots of hockey and sporadic L1's fitness sessions. We welcomed two new players Dean Baber and Tommy Ross s from Summer Roll Up, as well as welcoming back Nathan Toms making his return after a season-long knee injury last season. It was a relatively young squad with lots of legs!

The preparation for this game could not have been better, 3 members of the squad having been at Reading festival drinking nothing but 'flavoured water', the warm up was strong and great to get the touches back. As the start time drew nearer, we suddenly realised we were missing someone... Alex Green - stuck at work in the rush of Reading Festival, led to a brief squad shake up, however like the Pale Horse and the Rider he appeared just before push back which eased tension on the subs bench.

The first half of the game was a tight affair, with players getting used to new teammates and different positions, as well as trying to remember how to work a team press. There was no shortage of energy and effort from the lads, typified by Tommy Ross and Pete Young, who threw themselves all around the pitch both offensively and defensively. Basingstoke edged the half with our defence standing resolute and composed, which was brilliant to see at this stage of the season, attacking wise, Sonning did not capitalise on our few chances, but some tremendous 3d skill from Dean Baber showed the intent was there and the fight was on, credit as well as Ali Allan reacting well when called upon in goal, when the defence was breached. However, an almighty scare when Basingstoke put the ball in the net, only to be disallowed when there was a shoulder charge on Ali in goal. 0-0, and half time.

Half time talk about ball speed and quality of communication/movement - which led to vastly improved Sonning performance that only improved as the half went on. Patrick Wall and Jimmy Manser could have put us ahead with half volleyed chances which would have our names up in neon lights. However, as the legs wore on our superior fitness and drive told, with fantastic interceptions on the press from Pete Young and Tobi Challis in particular, who were pinning the oppo back. Eventually we forced an error on the press which led to a bit of a scramble for Challis to put the ball in the back of the net. After this it was all Sonning who were unlucky not to extend their lead, due to the quick reflexes of the Basingstoke keeper, as well as a penalty corner from Wall narrowly missing the post, and a well worked routine put wide by Harvey Richardson (blaming his borrowed stick from Santa!).

Final score 1-0, a great team performance and lots to push on with into the start of the season. Basingstoke wanted a captains' boat race back in the clubhouse to tie the fixture, however Patrick Wall used one of his few talents to seal a 2-0 victory to Sonning. A big thanks to Jimmy, Santa, Matt Stevens who stepped in from the M1s, as well as Tim Greenbank making his M2s debut after re-joining the club following his return from Loughborough.

MoM - Peter Young - for relentless pressing and epitomising the drive to win the game.
DoD - Harvey Richardson - PC miss, and double back stick tapping a free hit like a 5 year old picking up a stick for the first time.

On to Maidenhead next week at 12:00!
#COTN!