7th Dec 2019 Mens 5th v Ben Rhydding�4(Away) 2 - 5 loss
From the 5XI perspective!
This match may not have been featured in the weekly newsletter previews under the same heading of "feast of hockey" as the M1, L2 and M2, and had to move to P2 due to late starting of the other matches.
Both sides tried to play some entertaining hockey, as would be expected the 4ths played with a greater degree of control , but the 5ths were competitive and did not let the 4ths have it all their own way, father and son combination of Matt and Jonathan Wood in centre of midfield were full of energy. Max Bradley provided a useful outlet down the right midfield and used his skills and pace to good effect and George Alexander provided solid platform on the left.
However by half time the 4ths were a couple of goals ahead. In the second half the 5ths battled hard, the defensive back line of Blackburn, Websdale, Jackson and Habin limiting the chances on goal, and keeper Josiah Wood made several really good saves. A couple of clinical strikes from short corners and a goal from open play ensured there was not going to be any upset. However the hard work of forward line combinations of Dawson, Echevarria, Tilbook and Brook were rewarded with two goals from short corners by Richard Dawson.
At the mid-season break the 5ths can look back at 2 wins, a couple of near misses, some matches when they were totally outplayed, a match postponed due to frozen pitch and a match conceded due to lack of players. If they can turn the near misses into wins then the second half of the season could be a lot better. Let make sure we are ready for Boston Spa on the 11th Jan.
Finally, thanks to Dave Abbott for his hard work in organising the players to turn up, all I have to do is work out who will play where!!!