COWHC Men's 2s vs Old Kingstonian Men's 1s - 13th Jan 2018

We arrived at the glorious grounds of Kingston Grammar School on a bright Saturday afternoon. With a new pitch to play on, the surroundings were set for a glorious afternoon of Hockey and what followed was just that. The two teams sitting second and third in the SOHL Premier, had it all to play for. After the recent results you could have expected the CROWS to arrive cautious, park the bus and looking to simply not lose the game (think José Mourinho’s Manchester United side against Liverpool). This however is a CROWS team who look forward not back and were looking to put their recent poor run behind them and get back to playing the CROWS way.

The game started at a frantic pace with OK’s moving the ball well, but the CROWS press pushing them back. The game continued with the CROWS back four in imperious form. Stepping up to compress the OK’s attack, stepping in front to receive / steal the ball away from any OK’s midfielder foolish enough to attempt to penetrate their line. The tone was set. The full backs finding the line ball, Alex using his chuck to good effect, the midfield running themselves into the ground to cover every inch of the pitch to not only stop any OK’s attack, but to turn them round and keep them on the back foot. Scintillating skills wide by Ollie H and the forward line splitting wide to chase the ball, harassing and haranguing the OK’s back four on every 16 and transfer they attempted. Let’s not forget Roche. Whilst he was quiet for most of the game, like any top keeper when called upon, he pulled off a good double save and continuously cleared his lines with strong feet and Neuer style distribution.

The game was end to end and with CROWS growing stronger and stronger. OK’s were calling to find out the time left, desperate for the final whistle, allowing them to maintain a point.

The game only missed a goal and with chances at a premium the only clear chance, was a great one. Forceful work by the midfield and a driving run from Tom Dawes opened up a square ball across the goal. With the goalkeeper out of position, a desperate swipe at goal, the ball was sent wide and Jay had missed the chance that would have seen 3 points rather than 1 coming home.

The final whistle went and OK’s are a side to be commended for their honesty and fair play. A great game to be part of and for the spectators but it will be seen as 2 points missed.

CROWS have turned a corner and the effort an commitment shown, will see this team back on top very soon.

Thank you for the support from Sonia and Lydia and Nicky for umpiring again.

POM Steve – great leadership, stepping and distribution
Honourable mentions for Ollie H, Sam, Neil and Alex

DOD – Jay – the obvious
Honourable mentions for Ollie H and Joe