Match Report
Match Report - 26 Sep 2009, WEST HERTS HOCKEY CLUB Mens 1XI lost to Cambridge University 1
On a sunny September afternoon West Herts began their East Premier A campaign with a three nil defeat by Cambridge University. After the new coach closely looking at his watch in order to get the most money from lateness we were ready to start the season.
Arriving with plenty of time enabled a long warm up for the visitors in the glorious conditions. The game started evenly and West Herts were pushed back into their own half but were able to keep hold of the ball with the Defence passing around the back something Mr Welch would be very proud of.
As the half progressed it was always going to be difficult for the away side as Cambridge University kept pushing forward and break away chances were the best opportunity and both Max Webster and Steven Sieff had good chances but were unable to change the score.
The home side then had a trio of short corners but were also unable to break the deadlock with the West Herts defence holding strong. A few more chances went begging for the home side before the umpires gave both teams a well needed break.
The second half started the same as the first until a yellow card for the new West Herts coach enabled Cambridge University to push forward. The extra man advantage paid off and Cambride Uni soon to the lead after a Gary Lineker esq strike from their forward after the West Herts defence was unable to clear the ball. Another strike this time from a short corner put the home side 2-0 up.
West Herts were then back to their allotted 11 but not for long. A tackle which was maybe more suited on a rugby field from Matthew Buckland enabled him to have a five minute rest in the corner. During this time some sloppy marking gave Cambridge a 3-0 lead. A further yellow card a piece for both teams but no change to the score sheet left West Herts with a 3-0 defeat on their first outing of the season.
Due to a few players needing to get of quickly after the game the rest of the team got to know each other a lot better on the way home nicely squashed together.
Cambridge University 1 3 - 0 WEST HERTS HOCKEY CLUB Mens 1XI