Posted by Captain Ben
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on 16/2/2009, 9:38 am
90.216.155.217
Rover Hamsters 2 - 2 Witney Wayfarers
Sat 14 Feb 09 1200hrs Tilsey Pk, Abingdon
Despite the recent inclement weather, Wayfarers and Hamsters were able to play Hockey, using Tilsey Park ATP Abingdon.
Starting with some quick movement, the absence of training in recent weeks showed... we were in the right places but the passes were just off time, balls (from both sides) were being sent awry. The effort shown by Tony Brown & Will Bartrip in the centre didn't match the over enthusiasm of the two Bens up fron (Kaka & Captain...) A quick break from Hamsters was finished with a soft goal from their (highly efficient) Captain. Never knowingly defeated, the wide half of Si Duke and Nick August did some nice runs, but again we couldn't quite link up with the forwards. A series of short corners pressure, saved by some quality keeping from James Bartrip, couldn't be stemmed. A fair goal to Hamsters left Wayfarers 2-0 down at half time.
The second half saw a change to the front line, with Captain Ben dropping shallow to man-mark Hamsters midfield danger man (who looked one of their most 'senior' (in years) players - theres hope for me yet!) The energy level inproved, as did the quality of passing; Kaka was man marked until Hamsters rotated their subs through the defence. He lost his mark and fought his way to a scrappy, but well deserved, goal. Game on!
Hamsters came back for a period, putting pressure on the back line of Geoff Saul, Jake Crowley, Tome Neary & Mike Roberts. Solid defence kept us looking comfortable, and gave the 5 man midfield more space to move. A series of passes from one end of the pitch to the other gave Kaka an opportunity which he finished with a flair that Wayafrers have missed since Christmas. All square 7 minutes from time... Remotivated, and hungry to win, their was a period of heavy pressure on Hamsters that they so-nearly couldn't hold. The last whistle blew for a relieved Hamsters and disappointed Wayfarers; A draw was the right result, albeit that the only winner points-wise was Banbury!
Wayafrers will take inspiration from the second half. There wasn't a man who didn't give 110%, particularly for the final period. This was reflected in a second week of 'Muppet of the Day' awards; 'noone, as we all played so well', was the most common vote. Man of the Match was Kaka Carroll at the front, who returned to form today just when it was needed. Well done Wayfarers!
TEAM: James Bartrip (GK), Geoff Saul, Mike Roberts, Tom Neary, Jake Crowley, Nick August, Tony Brown, Will Bartip, Si Duke, Ben Campion (Captain) & Ben 'Kaka' Carrol (2)(MOM)
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