Three from three

Saturday saw 2nd place TW Monarchs take on 3rd place Holcombe with both teams owing an unbeaten start to the season. It was the first time our Boys had played a team made up entirely of men. They rose to the challenge brilliantly, dominating the first half and applying a tight press to ensure we ket winning the ball in their half and counter-attacking immediately. Intelligent running from Sam.J, Mack & George up front stretched the defence and allowed swift passing up high and this led to us taking a deserved 1-0 lead through a well taken penalty corner. The young midfield of Mattie, Felix & Finn (aided by the irrepressible fitness king Andy Coker) continued pressing and making valuable interceptions and this allowed one of the older members of the side to score when given space to go 2-1 up. Nick Page going off injured placed a lot of pressure on Ed Willshire and his changing cast of defenders and Holcombe roared back into the game to score two quick goals to level the scoreline. The kids refused to bow to further pressure and Sam.H, Ethan.M & Ethan.G won individual battles at the back and stopped the rot (along with Scott in goal making a number of fine saves). Again the Boys pressed forward and one final short corner was won with five minutes to go. The subsequent struck ball found its way inside the right hand post and we claimed all three points. We sit alone at the top of the table but there will be plenty more challenges to come. Thank you to JT & especially Saeed for umpiring at the last minute.