BDHC 1s v UEA

A 5-1 score line is not often viewed as a ‘positive result’, but there are plenty of positives to take from this game for the Dragons’ young 1st team. Up against a squad of 16 University students in their late teens / early twenties was always going to be a test, but it was testament to the fitness levels and organisation within the squad that they were able to stay in the game right up until the 3rd quarter, and had it not been for a couple of individual errors in the second half, could well have set up a nervous finish for the University side.
It took the visitors until the 23rd minute to open the scoring, and in truth, Langley in the Bourne Deeping goal had dealt well with anything thrown at him, but this was no back to the walls defensive display, the Dragons competed well across the park, and it took a short corner and a wrong footed ‘keeper to break the deadlock.
The previous week had seen a similar opening, 0-0 until midway through the half but then 1 led to 2, led to 3 before halftime and the game already slipping out of reach. This time, no such collapse as the Dragons went in at half time just the 1 goal down.
Strange then after a great first half that the 2nd started so sloppily, conceding early with a UEA striker given time and space for the first time in the game.
Hugo Brill then scored the team’s first goal of the league campaign when a pass was slipped right and he coolly slotted the ball under the goalkeeper.
The first of 2 defensive errors then proved costly and effectively ended the match as a contest; the ball given away from a 16 yard hit out, intercepted and finished with an excellent reverse stick finish into the bottom left corner of Langley’s goal, and then a penalty corner fired straight at the right post-man who should have done better. It is these kind of errors which are ruthlessly punished at this level and the Dragons must continue to work to eradicate from their game.
A 5th for UEA came as Bourne Deeping were down to 10 men, Andrew Kind sent to the bin for a poor tackle.
And yet so much to take away that will have pleased the Dragons’ coaches; not least of all the 100% effort and commitment in defence and attack and the willingness to put in a shift not just at 0-0 but even at 5-1. Like many clubs affected by Covid, this is a new team and will take time to gel, but the signs are there that things are heading in the right direction.
MOTM – Hugo Brill. Selfless running and a well deserved goal to cap a great performance.