Old Southendian HC Men 1 Vs Bourne Deeping HC Men’s 1st XI

Losing the toss to the home side the Dragons were awarded the ball by the home skipper. With a change of formation due to available players the visiting side started the game well having good possession. However the home side were well drilled and able to keep the ball moving around the back looking for the quick forwards to find the gaps. In the early exchanges the Dragons kept the home team at bay and were able to soak up most of the pressure with the new look defensive back 3 working hard. An attack down the baseline saw the ball played across the D in the front of goal and finding an unmarked Old Southendian for an easy tap in at the back post. 1-0 to the home side. Gaining the lead the home side were able to keep the pressure on the visiting Dragons and a penalty corner was awarded not long after the first goal. Dealing with the initial shot, the Bourne Deeping keeper was unable to save yet another deflection from the rebound after the initial save was unable to be cleared, 2-0. Minutes later and another penalty corner saw a well worked routine by the home side deflect into the top corner of Page’s goal. 3-0 and feeling like it was going to be a long day. Fortunately the halftime whistle blew with the visiting side keeping the deficit to 3.

Half Time - Old Southendian HC 3 – 0 BDHC

With a small change in positions to restart the game and a new fire in their bellies the Dragons came out of the blocks roaring. It wasn’t long into the half before Bourne Deeping found themselves winning a series of short corners. The breakthrough came when Ben Slack drifted past the defence to take his scoring tally to 8 this season. 3-1 and hope for the visitors. The dragons continued to press and the home side suddenly found they were unable to deal with the mounting pressure from the visitors. After 4 consecutive short corners a penalty flick was awarded….. But after deliberation with the other umpire this was reduced to another penalty corner bringing the current count to 5 on the bounce. Another short led to another short and then on about the 7th attempt Ben Slack found Harry Oakley in the D who despatched the ball into the goal. 3-2 and the comeback was on. With the wind firmly in their tails and the home side in disarray, the dragons still continued to press and continued to win penalty corners. Up steps Chris Clarkson to slot the equalizer into the goal. 3-3. Not letting up the Dragons tried to nick all 3 points and continued playing some of the best hockey so far this season. Late in the game though the visiting side were awarded a penalty corner, another well worked routine saw the ball played back to the injector who deflected the ball towards the bottom corner forcing the Bourne Deeping shot stopper into making a fine save to secure the hard earned point for the Dragons.

Final score – Old Southendian HC 3 – 3 BDHC
The draw extended a great unbeaten run by the Dragons to 4 games and moves them to 4th place in the division 1 ladder at the season half way point.

The silver wand was awarded to Chris Clarkson, playing an outstanding game in an unfamiliar position at the heart of midfield.

The wand of the week went to Harry Oakley as he had decided to play the game on a pair of his sister’s roller skates.

Next weekend the Men’s 1st XI travel back down the M11 to Havering in a re-arranged fixture that was supposed to take place on the 14th. It is the 1st game of the 2nd half of the season but the last game before the Christmas break.