Mens 1st XI vs London Wayfarer Vikings

After another strong performance for the Men’s 1s last week producing another 3 points back at the fortress vs London Wayfarers Vikings.

Despite the downpour as the sun set on Lee Valley Hockey Centre, the home side started off with yet again another quick start winning a short corner within the first couple of minutes but unfortunately the oppositions number 1 runner was too fast for Alfie to get a flick away. Nevertheless another short was won minutes later and was converted into a 1-0 lead via our skipper taking the challenge on himself following a blocked flick and slapping the ball powerfully into the bottom left corner past the sprawling keeper.

The rest of the half was a tightly fought battle against a well composed and structured opposition. Finding another very necessary goal was looking to be a struggle but speedy Sam slices through the opposition midfield and produces a wonder ball from outside the 23 to find James Preston sprinting in to back post for a deflection which he manages gets a touch on to take it passed the keeper, and the boys are once again 2 - nil up. Swiftly after that the half time whistle goes and positive start from the boys in purple.

After a rigorous half time team talk from coach Tim the boys are ready to get back out there for another hearty half of hockey

We went out searching for another goal to try and close the game out for another three points especially after London Vikings having an heroic comeback win from 3-0 down last week against Wapping. But the Vikings had other ideas as they started strong with lots of pressure being applied to the Crostyx back line who held out for a very strenuous 10 minutes but frustratingly they manage to get a quick rebound of a fine save from keeper Liam Dolden to put the scores to 2-1.

The boys replied superbly with a attacking break down the other end 30 seconds after restarting but the ball just getting lost and rolling outside the D towards the sideline, but was pulled back by a full stretched dive and scraping it off the base line before it went for a 16 to keep the attack alive. A little bit of skill whilst still on the floor from James took it passed 2 defenders, whom passed it on to Sam and with his silky skills slipped it passed the rapidly approaching keeper to Izzy who finished the fantastic bounce back goal and reinstate the 2 goal difference.

The London Vikings were rattled and were unsure what to do, as they resorted to what they do best, chaos which didn’t work out for them this time as it resulted in them picking up 2 greens and 2 yellows from terrible tackles and excessive chat to the umpires. But the boys in purple kept a stable head and saw out the match for another big 3 points

A week off next week followed by Barnes 2s (a) the following week.