16th Oct 2021 Mens 7th v Slazengers dev(Home) 1 - 0 win

Ben Rhydding 9s welcomed back David Abbott to the Team and rewarded him with a well-earned victory.

This was the 9s first victory of their season against another club, and having lost the last two games by just one goal it was gratifying to win this one by one goal.

The 9s were playing against a strong Slazenger’s side which included 5 senior players minus a goalkeeper, which meant they had a very experienced defence. Rhydding played some very clean hockey with Brandon Hatfield-Archer and Oliver Harlen always constantly creating the majority of their fine play. Chances in the first half were limited on both sides but the best ones came to the home team.

The second half saw the game open up completely and Rhydding could have had a hatful of goals; Rory Southern could have bagged a few goals but it is his first season and he is learning every week. The encouraging thing at least is that he was creating the positions to score, but sadly not his day.

The defence of Emily Southern in goal, Brinley Pratt, David Abbott and Jake Poulson stood out and in fact did not concede any short corners in the second half. The goal eventually came with 10 minutes remaining - Brandon Hatfield-Archer created it with one of his precision crosses for Toby Lucas to hit home the only goal of the game. It was well deserved.

The game was well managed by Robbie Hatfield from the sideline. This was a very encouraging start for this new team, the midfield in all worked exceptionally well and with a bit more belief the team will do very well. Praise to the midfield Alec Skelton, Joe Butts and Hugo Murray who supported the forwards in Max Hahn and Henry Stitson all had fine games.

A great team performance, well done all of the Team