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England Mixed Hockey Knock Out Trophy – Match Report

South Glos Mixed Vs Yeovil and Sherbourne Mixed

After several games fell victim to the frosty weather on the previous day, The Hen was up early to conduct a pitch inspection. Although the pitch was frozen, the opposition were keen to travel in the hopes that forecasted warmer climes would defrost the it in time for the game. Thankfully the conditions did improve so the game pushed back on time. After a nervy start South Glos managed to get into the swing of things against a strong Yeovil and Sherbourne team. Eventually the stale mate was broken when the South Glos forward pairing of Spink and Tom linked up resulting in Tom confidently sweeping the ball past the keeper to put Glos in the lead. South Glos continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded when HH strongly drove into the D along the baseline like a homing missile then crossed it in when a lone defender, under the pressure of Chewy, steered the ball goal-wards beating the wrong footed goal keeper. Glos were 2-0 up heading towards half time when the visitors got their break and pulled one back just before the whistle. After a rousing team talk from captain Harry, the home side yet again started slowly and the opposition soon found themselves level with a text book short corner routine and the aid of defender Henry. The scores were level, tension was high when finally South Glos were awarded a short corner and Tom bulged the net with a top draw drag flick. 3-2 to Glos. Keeping the home crowd entertained HH went for another rip-roaring run. As she approached the D, with great foresight, she smartly squared the ball to an unmarked West at the top of the D who struck the ball first time lofting it into the net with aplomb. 4-2 to Glos. Following this the visitors now had their opportunity to tip the balance and they piled the pressure onto the home team’s defence. Glos were continually struggling to clear the ball past the high line of attack until Tom offered to help out by tossing an aerial into the right attacking channel which the dynamic Dawson picked up and drove towards the D. Dawson’s progress was momentarily halted by the defender however Henry kept the counter going, returning the ball quickly to Dawson who’s shot was deflected in by sharp-shooter Spink. 5-2 to Glos. Soon after Glos found themselves outnumbered at the back and the opposition took their chances and slotted one in from the back post. 5-3 to Glos. Nearing the end of the game Henry stole the ball off the last defender leaving him a clear run through on goal. Henry charged forward with Spink in support, and backed himself staring down the goalie in a silent one on one battle to see who blinked first. Yeovil’s goalie was first to blink with an early dive to cut out the cross ball to Spink, Henry kept his head and diligently dinked the ball over the goalie into the empty net securing a clinical win for the South Glos underdogs, 6-3.

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Frozen Off

Due to the cold weather this weekend, all but one game was cancelled this weekend due to the pitches still being frozen – the Mens 2s were the only team to play away this Saturday. The rest of the games are to be rearranged. Watch this space for further details.