Boys U16 Coyotes 4 - 1 Guildford BU16 (H)

Surbiton U16 Coyotes won a hard-fought game against a talented Guildford U16 side 4-1 at Sugden Road. 

No official Duffus of the Day award (DOD) was officially handed out but there were some early contenders - both from the players and parents. First up, one set of parents had seen the word Guildford on the Google Sheet and thought "Er, must be playing at Guildford then". Doh. Almost as culpable, was one player who rocked up pre-game in a pair of Crocs (that, in itself, worthy of a fine) but then left his astro shoes at home 45 minutes away.  Another player had thought that given that Guildford normally play in white, he would wear his green shirt - so then had to revert to the u10-style of white bib over green shirt. The concept of home and away, which on the face of it seems relatively simple, seems to confuse this group.  

And so to the hockey. Cowling was proving effective as one of the double pivots/screens using his pace and quick hands. The ball was worked through the inside left channel and a nice combo between Wabi and Cormac saw a one touch finish from the latter for the opening goal. Toby T was also finding space in the wide right channel, that said Guildford had a number of gifted players and were slightly unlucky to be 2-0 down after some customary Bennett freakery - a burst of the afterburners and then a bullet forehand hit into the bottom left hand corner. Right at the end of the first half, Bennett went low from a drag-flick to make it 3-0.

Guildford rallied in the second half and scored a very nicely taken goal with a well struck open play strike. Bennett received a shoulder-barge and took a ten minute breather - cue Toby B bringing much composure with good distribution in the full back role. Dexter - not something he is used to doing on social occasions - settled everyone's nerves with a one touch finish to make it 4-1 in the last few minutes.

Thanks to the umpires and oppo for a game played in good spirits with flowing hockey on display.